Comments | incendiarypixie: The Omnivore's Dilemma

incendiarypixie

The Omnivore's Dilemma

Dec 28, 2007 01:03

I've only just started reading The Omnivore's Dilemma and I've already had to stop to jot down some questions/thoughts/ideas.

When people/scientists talk about instinct, evolutionary psychology, inherited preferences, etc. what exactly are they talking about? What is instinct? Where does it come from? How is it passed down?

I have a pretty firm ( Read more... )

intellectual, reading, questions

Comments 6

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This topic interests me as well! anonymous December 28 2007, 14:48:09 UTC

Well, maybe, but I too wonder if all the things we say are "instinct" really are, or if they are societal influences that we've all rationalized as instinct.

rachiestar December 28 2007, 17:04:22 UTC

"It's encrypted in the genes" isn't a real answer -- just because humans have genetic trait X doesn't mean X will always (or often or even ever) get expressed as behavior or feature Y. There's no way to predict how a given genotype will develop when placed in a new environment. Whatever "human nature" or "human instinct" is, it can't be a purely genetic feature. cf. the SEP article on genotypic vs. phenotypic expression.

vixenangelita December 28 2007, 17:17:15 UTC

Hey I just started reading it too! We should have a mini book club and discuss it every couple days or something. Plus, I loved how in like the first four pages he mentioned something about our overwhelming abundance of choice, and I was like, "Oooh Barry Schwartz would totally agree with you!!!!"

Anyway. Sorry about Borders. Call me soon so we can talk. Oh, and there's more snow. Maybe the sledding idea can be revived? :)

incendiarypixie December 29 2007, 05:55:20 UTC

I'd definitely be interested in a book club!

And a movie club too if it strikes your fancy. I recently heard about a documentary entitled "King Corn"... sound familiar? It sounds really interesting and I'd love to check it out.

It opened awhile ago, so I'm pretty sure we won't be able to find it in any theatres, but it did just come out on DVD, so we might have better luck with that avenue.

It will be playing in chicago in March
Chicago
March 15, 2008, 2:00 PM
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.
For more info contact: Naomi Walker
http://myspace.com/communitycinemachicago

and maybe on TV then too??

I duno...

anyway. we should hang out. Are you doing anything this weekend?

what are your plans for new years?

incendiarypixie December 29 2007, 23:28:25 UTC

I've been trying to call you but you never answer your phone. I'm not sure if I'm calling the right number. The number I call only has a generic voicemail message (robot saying you have reached 847-...)

I left a few messages for you on your birthday too.

can_o_beans December 30 2007, 23:07:44 UTC

I've read (Chomsky, for instance) that humans are unique in that they are born with only one instinct, and no others. The instinct itself is also (supposedly) unique: to acquire and use language. If you take that to be true, I think it implies that we have an instinctive need to create meaning.

Which, if taken to its conclusion, means that either we're the sons and daughters of all creation, or tragically self-important gas bags. But there I think I'm getting sidetracked.