Talk of the Town

Nature Via Nurture: Genes, Experience & What Makes Us Human

Fri. May 23, 7:30-9:00 pm

With: Matt Ridley, author of the Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature, Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters, and a new book, Nature Via Nurture: Genes, Experience & What Makes Us Human

For more than a hundred years scientists have been debating whether it is genes or our environment that shape and determine who we are and what we become. Are we creatures of our DNA, pre-ordained to be meticulous or messy, sassy or shy? Or are we raw material to be shaped and sculpted by our surroundings, with all the telling detail to be added by our families and the social and cultural milieu in which we grow up and mature?

In his new book author Matt Ridley argues that the old debate is based on a false dichotomy, it isn't a question of either/or, but both. Here is how his publisher describes Nature Via Nurture:

Acclaimed author of the groundbreaking bestseller Genome, Matt Ridley at last resolves the nature vs. nurture debate-by dismissing it. In NATURE VIA NURTURE: Genes, Experience, and What Makes Us Human (HarperCollins Publishers; April 26th 2003), the noted science writer presents overwhelming new evidence to support the inextricably intertwined influences of heredity and environment on the personality, potential, and achievements of every unique person. Backed by wide-ranging research from respected geneticists and empiricists alike, Ridley liberates genes from their role as puppet masters to recast them as both cause and consequence of our actions while continually being shaped by events outside the body. Debunking the determinism of DNA while affirming its vital, defining influence, he makes a compelling argument: 'The human brain is built for nurture. The more we lift the lid on the human genome, the more vulnerable to experience genes appear to be.' (HarperCollins News)

The discussion will take place at UBC's Robson Square campus. Attendance is free of charge, but please register by phoning 604.822.1700.

Biography

Dr. Matt Ridley is the author of the international best-seller Genome, as well as The Origins of Virtue, and The Red Queen. His books have been translated into 23 languages and have been short-listed for six literary prizes.

He earned B.A. and D.phil degrees from Oxford University in zoology in 1983. He has held many positions at the Economist, including Science editor and American editor between 1983 and 1992 and is currently Chairman of the International Centre for Life, a £68 million science park and education project. Also a columnist for the Sunday and Daily Telegraph between 1993 and 2000, he has written numerous articles and book reviews for The London Times, London Guardian, London Times Literary Supplement, Literary Review, New Scientist, Prospect, New Statesman, Time, Newsweek, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Atlantic Monthly, Discover, Natural History and other publications.

Ridley lectures frequently before many well-respected organizations including the Museum of Natural History in New York, the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, as well as before numerous universities in the U.S. and England.

He has been cited with many awards and distinctions, including The Samuel Johnson prize for non-fiction (short-listed) in 2000, The Aventis prize for science books (short-listed) in 2000, and The Los Angeles Times Book Award (short-listed) in 2001.

Praise for Nature Via Nurture

"Bracingly intelligent, lucid, balanced-witty, too…a scrupulous and charming look at our modern understanding of genes and experience."

--Oliver Sacks

"I would never have expected a book about 'nature or nurture' to be even mildly interesting, let alone a real page-turner. But I had reckoned without Matt Ridley's gift for surprising the reader. What a superb writer he is, and he seems to get better and better."

--Richard Dawkins, author of THE SELFISH GENE

Selected Bibliography

The books below can be ordered through the UBC Bookstore:

• Nature Via Nurture, HarperCollins, 2003
• The Red Queen, Perennial, 2003
• The Best American Science Writing 2002, Ecco, 2002
• Genome, Perennial, 2000

Links & Readings

HarperCollins: Matt Ridley

HarperCollins has information on all Matt Ridley's previously published books.

Motley Fool

The Motley Fool web site presented Matt Ridley its Jester award in March 2002 for his book Genome.

Talk of the Nation

Matt Ridley joined Nancy Press and Matt McGue for a discussion of behavioural genetics on this NPR radio program.

Human Nature Review

Human Nature Review is a significant source of analysis and commentary for readers at leading universities and research institutes in over one hundred and sixty countries. Its goal is to bring into communication a whole range of approaches to the understanding of human nature.