Friday 3 April 2009

using identical twins in scientific research. Does it prove anything?

I've always had an issue with the concept of using identical twins separated at birth as evidence to support any idea that genes determine our personalities. I couldn't lay my finger on it exactly but just because a bunch of people with identical, or very similar genes seem to end up being similar in some ways. It's assumed that must be down to genetics. I still feel that could easily be down to the way societies and cultures treat people according to the way they look.

Thus I often feel that the way we look and our physical characterstics can have a great impact on our interactions with others and ultimately how we see ourselves through others eyes. it's common to see people changing their hair, clothes or body to project a different image. we often find that these kinds of changes do infact change how others view and treat us. So would it be any surprise that two identical twins who essentially look exactly the same would end up acting and thinking in exactly the same way. 

Over the years there have been many movements to ensure that individuals are treated according to their abilities ather than their gender, race, age, size or any other attribute. 

It's really these kinds of reasons and the important and continual impact they have on our lives, that makes me question any real validity in using identical twins to prove genetic determination. That's not to say that it doesn't exist. I just think the methods used ignore all the other variables that exist and are far too simplistic in their approach. 

So why do I even care enough to write a post about it?
Mainly because everything I've learnt in life teaches me about mind over matter. If yu really want some thing you cn normally find a way to get it. yet first you have to have the determination and belief that you can get it. Without that you are leaving it to chance.

Most people I meet still cling to the notion that they just can't achieve a goal for some basic biological reason. it often seem to boil down to genetics. Therefore bringing this view out in the open and questioning it is important because it doesn't happen enough. 

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