csc@watmath.UUCP (Computer Sci Club) (05/20/84)
Mario Vietri states that if hormones had any effect on brain development (e.g.
mathematical ability) this would be obvious and already known. He contends that
the fact that it is not known, disproves it. This is simply incorrect. We
do not know anywhere near enough about the function or stucture of the brain
to state categorically that hormones do or do not have a given effect. Such
experiments are difficult to carry out (exuse me madam, we would like to
inject your fetus with testosterone to see what the effect will be on your
little girl. Yes I am afraid there are a few dangers...)
It is true that the study of anything like mathematical ability is
extremely complicated. Despite Mario Vietri's assertions it is possible to
do studies that help to distinguish between enviornmental and genetic
effects. These studies are however, difficult, time consuming, and very
expensive. (So much so that in the past scientists have found it easier
to fake the results than do the study :-) ) It may be that they are too
difficult to be worth the resources they will consume. Such decisions can
only be made by experts in the field with the experience and knowledge to
judge. Such studies cannot be rejected outright.
William Hughes