Kathryn Paige Harden - Original Sin: On The Genetics of Vice, The Problem of Blame, And the Future of Forgiveness

About this episode

The episode explores the influence of genetics on behavior and the implications for punishment and forgiveness.

How much of our temperament and behavior is passed through DNA, and how do we punish those whose behavior may be shaped by genetic forces outside of their control? These concepts are explored in the latest episode of A Book with Legs, where Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead is joined by professor, scientist, and author Kathryn Paige Harden to discuss her book, “Original Sin: On the Genetics of Vice, the Problem of Blame, and the Future of Forgiveness.” Cole and Kathryn discuss the ideas of right, wrong, and sin, and how much our genetics are to blame for our actions. The two also analyze findings from studies led by Paige and the mental frameworks of some of history’s greatest theological minds to guide their discussion Harden is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas, where she directs the Developmental Behavior Genetics lab. She conducts research on how genes and environments combine to shape children's mental and physical health. She is the author of over 150 scientific publications and two books: The Genetic Lottery and Original Sin. Purchase a copy of “Original Sin: On the Genetics of Vice, the Problem of Blame, and the Future of…

People in this episode

Host: Cole Smead

Guest: Kathryn Paige Harden

Topics covered

• genetics
• behavior
• punishment
• forgiveness
• psychology
• ethics

Keywords

• genetics
• behavior
• punishment
• forgiveness
• psychology
• ethics
• temperament
• blame

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Texas

Books & works: Original Sin: On the Genetics of Vice, the Problem of Blame, and the Future of Forgiveness, The Genetic Lottery

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