jj@alice.att.com (jj, like it or not) (11/10/90)
Regarding the possiblity of evolution in the human species: Regardless of one's views on nature vs. nurture, it's quite clear that those humans who are being propagated the fastest are those for whom both the "nature" and "nurture" dvocates would fear the the worst. Note that this situation is observed, and constitutes no judgement on those unfortunate enough to be in such a situation. This observation requires no position on "nature vs. nurture", it points out that the same conclusion for the future is reached by either path, or those in the middle between "nature" and "nurture". This conclusion is both unhappy and indicative of the fact that the world must realize what's happening, and respond accordingly. How? With what method, and what mechanism? Questions for historians: Was the Pax Romana responsible for a similar social situation? (i.e. those in "fortunate" circumstances, regardless of how they arrived there, reproduce less often than those in "unfortunate" circumstances, due to both economics and social pressure) What was the situation during the "dark ages", and after? Was there, at some point, a reversal of the childbearing situation, perhaps due to survival issues? Questions for social scientists: If the first question above is answered "yes", what are the implications for our situation now, and what can we possibly do about it (both with and without ethics)? If the second question also suggests the same conclusions, what is the implication to an ethical society? Note: I am deliberately dodging the question of what "ethic" one considers. For the purposes of discussion, let us use the ideals of personal liberty and freedom of self-determination, along with value of life. (As an aside, I think that ethics that value life, liberty, and self-determination are utterly necessary for a stable society in the short term. What wisdom is necessary to have both short and long term stability in an ethical and happy society?) jj [Copyright alice!jj, 1990, all rights reserved, except transmission by USENET and like free facilities granted. Said permission is granted only for complete copies that include this notice. Permission is granted to moderators of moderated newsgroups to post submitted articles]