March 7, 2003

The Real Constraints of a Mythical Theory

To the Editor:

In declaring that "there are no genetic determinists" ("The Mythical Threat of Genetic Determinism," The Review, January 31), Daniel C. Dennett overlooks some important items:

• "Genetic determinism" has long been used in the design of human organizations. The children of kings and queens have been assumed to be natural leaders. Racism is a byproduct of the assumptions of genetic determinism. Managers routinely assess the character traits of subordinates.