Hi Paul,
The only bit in the article I kinda disagree with is this part:
To get round this, Savic and her colleague, Per Lindström, chose to measure brain parameters likely to have been fixed at birth.
"That was the whole point of the study, to show parameters that differ, but which couldn't be altered by learning or cognitive processes," says Savic.
The above implies that physical brain structure cannot be altered by 'learning or cognitive processes'.
...however, there is a growing body of evidence that clearly points towards the conclusion that the physical structure of the brain CAN be altered through 'learning'.
A few articles:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_a ... 554215.ecehttp://www.aan.com/elibrary/neurologyto ... 6050-00008http://www.nap.edu/html/howpeople1/ch5.htmlWhile I don't know if the kinds of studies above are conclusive, I do think it's a little strong to say things like physical brain structure simply
cannot be changed by learning or cognitive processes'. I think we already had evidence without these kinds of studies in relation to homosexuality that would deny that.
Certainly, I think it is accurate to say that MOST instances of homosexuality are inborn. From what I know, mainly due to conditions in the womb. I'm not sure genetics has much to do with it...
That said, the evidence makes it clear that it is very difficult to alter such basics as sexual orientation later in life. (Ask a straight guy whether he'd experiment with having sex with another bloke to see if he can 'change the physical structure of his brain'. My guess is he's not gonna be that interested...!)
The information in relation to depression was interesting too...
But then - as KA rightly says:
And even if it were a choice (which it's not)--who cares? Why would it be anyone else's business?
Exactly! :)