Reduction to Absurdity: Why Epigenetics Invalidates All Models Involving Genetic Reduction

Abstract

Embedding current research on epigenetics and development within a process-relational relational developmental systems (RDS) framework, we discuss the assertions of genetic reductionist models of human behavior and development. To better clarify the distinctions between process-relational RDS-based and Cartesian mechanistic genetic reductionist models, we recommend that the terms “interaction,” “mechanism,” and “trait” be replaced by terms such as “coaction,” “fusion,” “integration,” and “process” in depictions of process-relational RDS models. We argue that, in the context of epigenetics research, the propositions of genetic reductionist models lead to absurd claims about genetic causation, primarily because RDS-based, epigenetics research underscores the relative plasticity of the embodied coactions within the RDS. We discuss three ways in which genetic reductionist models survive in the face of egregious conceptual and methodological problems, and we make suggestions about the utility of epigenetics for applications aimed at enhancing the course of development for diverse individuals.