In a message dated 8/18/2009 2:01:48 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it writes:      As an outside casual observer to this group discussion, it seems to me that the crux of this argument stems from the notion of free will and whether or not we have it, or are products of our environmental and genetic conditions, or other drivers. As H. L. Mencken once said, For every complex question there is a simple answer, and it's wrong. The concept of free will must be tempered with the genetic and environmental factors that constrain or enhance it. For example, whether or not you are likely to drink milk and enjoy ice cream is in part dependent on one gene in your body - the gene allele for lactose tolerance. If you are lactose intolerant (the normal mammalian form of the allele) drinking milk or foods with a large amount of lactose will tend cause nausea and make you feel ill. If you have the mutation of the allele (as I do) you are likely to enjoy milk and milk products. Everyone has free will to consume lactose foods or not; however, some will feel sick if they do. In the case of nicotine, numerous studies have documented that early exposure to the substance increases the likelihood of physiological addiction. A recent study from Utah found a gene allele, that if present, increases the probability of addiction given initiation of smoking before age 16. However, if the youth begins smoking after the age of 17, the allele appears to have no effect on risk for addiction. Other studies have indicated that whether or not one begins to use a given mood altering substance or not is largely determined by environmental factors. However, having begun to use the substance, the risk of addiction is largely determined by genetic factors. The issue is not whether or not free will is at play with respect to mood altering substances but to understand the influences and predispositions for initiation of use, misuse, and addiction. At this point, in the neighborhood of 90 gene allele variations have been  identified that influence responses to a range of substances. Philosophy is well and good for many topics, but in this area hard science is the superior route to understanding, extending knowledge, developing clinical strategies, and formulating rational public policies. Norm Norman G. Hoffmann, Ph.D. Adjunct Professor of Psychology Western Carolina University Tel: 828-454-9960 www.evinceassessment.com ############################################################# This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to   the mailing list < This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Send postings to < This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it To unsubscribe, E-mail to: < This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to < This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Send administrative queries to  < This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it CSAT assumes no responsibility for the opinions and information posted by users. #############################################