In this paper, I assess whether certain concepts of genetic causation, namely, the “gene for a trait,” norm of reaction and heritability can capture a feasible version of genetic determinism in the postgenomic era. The result is mostly negative, due to the various shortcomings of those concepts. “Gene for a trait” is obsolete because it implies monogenic causality for human behavioral traits. Norm of reaction, although theoretically the best alternative, is not an option in human subjects, due to ethical considerations. (...) The strength and the weakness of heritability lies in its being obtained by non-experimental methods. The advantage is that it is compatible with polygenic inheritance models and can be estimated by non-experimental methods. The disadvantages are related to its causal interpretation, especially in humans. Besides, the missing heritability problem demonstrated that modern genomic methods like genome-wide association studies come short on accounting for the causal paths from genomes to highly heritable traits. Based on the new understanding of genetic causation, I define a weak form of genetic determinism. (shrink)

This article aims to make a distinction among contemporary artworks that use algorithmic technologies. Departing from Science, Technology and Society (STS) studies, the focus is given to artworks that use algorithmic agencies, as assemblages of human and nonhuman entities. Making an ethno-methodological analysis of three artworks, The Pitiful Story of Deniz Yılmaz (2015–present) of Bager Akbay, Artificial Intelligence for Governance, the Kitty AI (2016) of Pınar Yoldaş and Plantoid (2015) of Primavera Di Filippi, the article examines paratactical use of (...) algorithmic agencies in contemporary artistic practice. Exploring, revealing and learning from the tactics used by platforms, corporations and institutions that control and govern, paratactical use of algorithmic agencies generates a self-reflexive perspective on such tactics of control. Paratactical works also explore absurdities and contingencies embedded in algorithmic technologies. They work within failures and errors, and perform subversive ways of thinking, acting and enacting. In conclusion, paratactical works deal with the reproduction, distribution and normalization of ignorance, extinction, degeneration, corruption and destruction. (shrink)