Genetic predisposition

Definition

Genetic predisposition refers to the increased likelihood of developing certain traits or conditions based on one's genetic makeup. This concept is crucial in understanding how inherited biological factors can influence behavior, health, and life outcomes, especially within the context of naturalism, where environment and biology play significant roles in shaping individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism often emphasizes the role of genetic predisposition in determining human behavior, suggesting that genetics and environment interact to shape individuals.
2. Writers like Émile Zola illustrate characters whose actions and fates are heavily influenced by their genetic background and social conditions.
3. Genetic predisposition can manifest in various ways, such as susceptibility to mental illness, personality traits, or physical health conditions.
4. In naturalistic literature, characters often struggle against their inherent tendencies, showcasing the tension between nature (genetics) and nurture (environment).
5. The concept of genetic predisposition challenges traditional notions of free will, raising questions about accountability and moral responsibility in literature.

Review Questions

• How does genetic predisposition illustrate the themes of determinism within naturalistic literature?
  • Genetic predisposition exemplifies determinism in naturalistic literature by showing how characters are shaped by their inherited traits and biological backgrounds. This idea suggests that individuals have limited control over their actions and destinies due to the strong influence of genetics. Authors like Zola depict characters whose lives are governed by these inherited characteristics, emphasizing that their choices are often dictated by their genetic makeup and the social conditions surrounding them.
• In what ways do naturalistic writers use the concept of genetic predisposition to explore the nature versus nurture debate?
  • Naturalistic writers often employ genetic predisposition to highlight the complexities of the nature versus nurture debate. They illustrate how characters are not only influenced by their genetic backgrounds but also by their environments, creating a dynamic interplay between inherited traits and life experiences. By showing how these factors contribute to individual outcomes, naturalists argue for a more nuanced understanding of human behavior that considers both biological and environmental influences.
• Evaluate how the concept of genetic predisposition affects the portrayal of moral responsibility in naturalistic works.
  • The portrayal of moral responsibility in naturalistic works is significantly impacted by the concept of genetic predisposition. As characters are often depicted as products of their genetics and social environments, this raises questions about free will and accountability for their actions. When a character's behavior is largely driven by inherited traits, it challenges traditional views on morality, suggesting that individuals may not be fully responsible for their actions if they are dictated by biological factors beyond their control. This perspective encourages readers to consider the complexities of human behavior and the forces that shape it.

Related terms

Determinism: The philosophical idea that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will, often linked with naturalistic views.

Nurture: Refers to the environmental factors and experiences that influence an individual's development, contrasting with the genetic aspects of nature.

Nature vs. Nurture: A debate regarding the relative importance of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) in determining behavior and traits.