Re: Genetic Memory

[Steve Jackson <sj@io.com>]

On Sun, 23 Apr 1995, Michael Andrew Turton wrote:

>       The concept of genetic memory is not valid.  Genes code for the
> assembly of subunits into the whole being -- unless you have demonstrated
> that there is some way genes can encode specific memories onto specific
> proteins which are incorporated into the brain, "genetic memory" will have
> to remain a scientific fantasy.

Whoops! You just waved your hand and made all non-learned behavior go 
away. OF COURSE genes contain information which affects behavior, 
including reactions to very complex combinations of stimuli. We 
know so little about how this is done that dogmatism is not appropriate.
Quibbling about definitions of "memory" won't help, either.

** Steve Jackson - yes, of SJ Games - yes, we won the USSS case - fnord **
 Learn Web or die - http://www.io.com/sjgames/ - dinosaurs, Lego, Kahlua!