Can people be born 'evil' genetically?

[Alex3213]

Yeah, what the title says really. I personally think not because I think it depends about the causes in environment and what not and the upbringing of people. There may be a tiny bit in genes but you don't know much when you are at a young age so I don't think that effects it.

Thread moved by Cosmic (Forum Super Moderator) from 'Discuss Anything'.

[Shar]

No. I think environmental factors, upbringing etc, contribute to making someone 'evil' more than anything.

[Mathew]

No, there isn't a gene in your body that says whether you are going to be "evil" or "nice."

They are simply two adjectives which can be interpreted in many ways. I might suggest turning a life support machine off is evil, yet you might say it was for the best. One man's evil could be another man's nice.

I think people's morals, rules and overall outlook on life is down to how you are brought up. Sterotypically, I would say a chav in the middle of Liverpool (sorry scousers!) would be considered more "evil" than a chap who goes to Eton.

If you have ever seen the show or read the book "Blood Brothers" - this is a perfect example. Two brothers, born from the same poor mother yet seperated at birth. One went to live with a rich family and the other stayed with the mother who couldn't afford to look after two. They meet many years on, clearly opposites.. and then I won't spoil the rest :P

[Inseriousity.]

Good play, Matt :D

I do think environmental factors are more important. I'm of the opinion that babies are born a blank slate (with the basic human survival instincts) and then moulded into who they become by the various factors that'll change them.

[Becca]

only if they were born on the 6th of the 6th 2006.
but other than that, it's the parents.

[Alex3213]

Good play, Matt :D

I do think environmental factors are more important. I'm of the opinion that babies are born a blank slate (with the basic human survival instincts) and then moulded into who they become by the various factors that'll change them.

I couldn't help but notice that you used the words "more important". Are you suggesting that genes do have some relevance?

[Inseriousity.]

Yes, biological factors also have a role to play as genes has a role to play in society. Whether there's a specific gene for 'evil', I highly doubt it because of the point below.

But the environmental factors are more important. I also notice you put 'evil' in ' ', is this because you're aware that evil is actually a subjective term dependant on the society that you live in, which is an environmental factor :P

[.iNova.]

Your parents make you into a horrible brat. Not your genes. =]

[dbgtz]

i think you can be born violent with too much testosterone but not evil.