I think that those forces modify human behavior in exactly the same manner that language does. I view variation on both levels as identical; and it is not so much that our behavior is “altered” so much as that human beings largely depends upon traditions and language to provide us with the context we need before we can make any decision or take any action.

I understand that it's different from being “natural” in the sense of a person's skin cells, but I think that that difference is analytically more trivial than I think Will and Huxley here make it out to be.

Ultimately, everything is natural (I believe).

I think the sense Will, and Huxley, are using it is a useful one, though. The arrival of these forces is relatively very recent, and radically modifies how people have previously behaved, and would behave in their absence.

I think that those forces modify human behavior in exactly the same manner that language does. I view variation on both levels as identical; and it is not so much that our behavior is “altered” so much as that human beings largely depends upon traditions and language to provide us with the context we need before we can make any decision or take any action.

I understand that it's different from being “natural” in the sense of a person's skin cells, but I think that that difference is analytically more trivial than I think Will and Huxley here make it out to be.

Ultimately, everything is natural (I believe).

I think the sense Will, and Huxley, are using it is a useful one, though. The arrival of these forces is relatively very recent, and radically modifies how people have previously behaved, and would behave in their absence.

I guess my point in the preceding comment was only that helping the poor and disadvantaged is sometimes a function of self-preservation (the Bourgeoisie placating the Proletariat out of fear of rebellion) rather than altruism or some notion that humans are entitled to a certain standard of living. It could be that some form of social safety net benefits even the strongest wolf. The question, I guess, is one of starting points. I don't think I owe some form of safety net. I think I benefit by providing one. I maintain that I'm the Titan (just smarter than other Titans).

This could all be for me (nobody seems to read comments to old posts — though I get a lot out of them), but I thought I might add a little to my prior comment in the hope that I might be allowed to participate going forward.

Or is the same outcome somehow “unethical” if it's done in the spirit of self-preservation rather than self-immolation?