As a reminder, like all the other Filters discussed (i.e. the instincts, behavioral preferences, default ways of interpreting our environment and the way we interact with it, etc.), the Critical Thinking Personality Spectrum Ensemble, is not at all likely to be understood as a function or trait solely via the expression of one gene. Rather, multiple genes, in concert with multiple other filters are likely necessary to understand completely the Critical Thinking Ensemble. It is the result of an ensemble of components - their presence and their expressions. Including the environment itself.

Specifically, increasing evidence suggests that the various components enabling Critical Thinking (e.g. Intelligence, Cognitive Flexibility, Reality Discernment, etc.) are genetically heterogeneous. ConserveLiberty suggests that such findings would be expected for the various components of the various components. And, while Critical Thinking would be an advanced (higher complexity) function, something simpler (still advanced) such as Cognition is likely a "behavioral" trait that extends through the lineage of life all the way to the very beginning of the phenomenon of "the living". Thus, in the abstract, "fundamental cognition" prior to the evolution of Mental Cognition. For example, from the very beginning, it would have been absolutely essential that the living process:

• continue to "acquire" nutrients to sustain itself as "alive",
• reproduce, if for no other reason than that all organization, of any sort, has a finite length of time that it Is What It Is until variation of one sort or another renders it "expired",
• maintain whatever processes (in ensemble) that rendered the collection of biochemically "active" material "alive" as effectively and synergistically functional as possible. Long enough to find additional sustenance and to reproduce, and
• Respond appropriately to make sure the above happen.

It is not known what would have driven those earliest of "appropriate responses to relevant detections." Without whatever those drivers were, even as randomly accidental as they may have originally (or not) occurred, then whatever was the "first" arrangement of chemistry that constituted the first example of "alive" (either within the universe or upon the earth) would have eventually expired sometime afterward, and probably sometime 3.5 billion years ago or before. Thus, anything here alive today is in part due to the fundamental cognition that unfolded very early on. Cognition (detection and execution of a decision (or, detection / response)) selected by sole virtue of its rendering of a tendency to continue. Anthropomorphically speaking - "driven."

As it is, The Living on this planet, taken all together as one very complex and extended lineage with its start in the very beginning, and extending onward through time and location to the millions of extensions in existence today, has been very resilient through all sorts of environmental changes, ranging from gradual to catastrophic. Quite a bit of extinction has occurred, but the variance with which the Living Lineage is able to generate within itself, and its nearly irresistible fundamental cognition or pragmatic drive for living and reproducing, has resulted in the living lineage continuing on Earth for at least 3.5 billion years.

That's quite a Habit! The manner in which identifying and establishing which behaviors should be maintained (selective for survival) has evolved as well. Some of these behaviors eventually established themselves as biologically developed and genetically maintained instincts.

Eventually, in more complex life forms with a mental decision control architecture, we find Critical Thinking.

An interesting look at an example of a human Cognitive Reboot sequence, essential for reestablishing the prerequisites for the return of Critical Thinking [can be found HERE.]
- All emerging in order, naturally, when the time is right.

For many "higher" organisms, (e.g. humankind, others,) the behaviors selected for Critical Thinking may or may not actually be selective for survivability at an individual level. While individually helpful, the real advantage is seen when individuals with Critical Thinking traits are integrated within larger communities that can take advantage of the benefits of the traits without everyone having the traits themselves.

Focusing (for brevity) here just on one of the components enabling Critical Thinking - Intelligence - a few identified genetic components impacting Intelligence, Behavior, Perception, or brain development have been identified, and thus are candidates as part of the Critical Thinking Personality Spectrum Ensemble. Selected links to representative research on these and others will be added in subsequent versions of this chapter:

• CSE1L (chromosome segregation 1 like) - The protein encoded by this gene binds strongly to NLS-free importin-alpha, and this binding is released in the cytoplasm by the combined action of RANBP1 and RANGAP1. In addition, the encoded protein may play a role both in apoptosis and in cell proliferation. Variants may have potential relevancy with agoraphobia and panic attacks. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene.
  
  
• EXOC4 (Exocyst complex component 4) - The protein encoded by this gene is a component of the exocyst complex, a multiple protein complex essential for targeting exocytic vesicles to specific docking sites on the plasma membrane. This protein interacts with the actin cytoskeletal remodeling and vesicle transport machinery. The complex is also essential for the biogenesis of epithelial cell surface polarity. Variants have potential relevancy with rheumatoid arthritis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found.
  
  
• CYP2D6 (Cytochrome P450 2D6) - CYP2D6 is primarily expressed in the liver and highly expressed in areas of the central nervous system, including the substantia nigra. The P450 proteins are monooxygenases which catalyze many reactions involved in drug metabolism and synthesis of cholesterol, steroids and other lipids. This protein metabolizes as many as 25% of commonly prescribed drugs (e.g. antidepressants, antipsychotics, analgesics and antitussives, beta adrenergic blocking agents, antiarrythmics and antiemetics. The gene is highly polymorphic in the human population. Some individuals carry 2 null alleles. Others can have 3 or more active copies. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found.
  
  
• FOXO3 (Forkhead box O3) - FOXO3 belongs to the forkhead family of transcription factors. This gene likely functions as a trigger for apoptosis through expression of genes necessary for cell death. Deregulation of FOXO3a is involved in tumorigenesis. A variant of FOXO3 has been shown to be associated with longevity in humans. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found.
  
  
• APBA1 (Amyloid beta A4 precursor protein-binding family A member 1) - A member of the X11 protein family. It is a neuronal adapter protein that interacts with the Alzheimer's disease amyloid precursor protein (APP), stabilizing APP and inhibiting production of proteolytic APP fragments, including the A beta peptide. It is believed to be involved in signal transduction processes. Has putative relevancy as a vesicular trafficking protein in the brain forming a complex that could couple synaptic vesicle exocytosis to neuronal cell adhesion.
  
  
• ATXN2L (Ataxin-2-like protein) - This gene encodes an ataxin type 2 related protein of unknown function. This protein is a member of the spinocerebellar ataxia (SCAs) family, which is associated with a complex group of neurodegenerative disorders. Several alternatively spliced transcripts encoding different isoforms have been found.
  
  
• NKIRAS1 (NFKB Inhibitor Interacting Ras Like 1) - NKIRAS1 is a Protein Coding gene. Among its related pathways are NF-KappaB Family Pathway and TNF-alpha/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. GO annotations related to this gene include GTP binding and GTPase activity.
  
  Note its relationship to NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) - a protein complex that controls transcription of DNA, cytokine production and cell survival. It has also been implicated in processes of synaptic plasticity and memory. As highlighted in another ConserveLiberty chapter on Habit Formation, NF-κB is one of several induced transcriptional targets of ΔFosB which facilitates the development and maintenance of an addiction to a stimulus.
  
  
• JMJD1C (Jumonji domain containing 1C) - interacts with thyroid hormone receptors and contains a jumonji domain. It is a candidate histone demethylase and is thought to be a coactivator for key transcription factors. It plays a role in the DNA-damage response path way by demethylating the mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1 (MDC1) protein, and is required for the survival of acute myeloid leukemia. Mutations in this gene are associated with Rett syndrome and intellectual disability. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.
  
  
• SHANK3 (SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3) - A member of the Shank gene family. Shank proteins are multidomain scaffold proteins of the postsynaptic density that connect neurotransmitter receptors, ion channels, and other membrane proteins to the actin cytoskeleton and G-protein-coupled signaling pathways. Shank proteins also play a role in synapse formation and dendritic spine maturation. SHANK3 Mutations are a cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, restricted behavioral patterns and interests. Mutations in SHANK3 also cause schizophrenia type 15, and are a causative factor in the neurological symptoms of 22q13.3 deletion syndrome. Additional isoforms have been described.
  
  
• HCRTR1 (Orexin receptor type 1) - Ox1R is encoded by the HCRTR1 gene. It is a G-protein coupled receptor involved in the regulation of feeding behavior. Ox1R selectively binds the hypothalamic neuropeptide orexin A. A related gene (HCRTR2) encodes a G-protein coupled receptor that binds orexin A and orexin B.
  
  
• TCF20 (transcription factor 20) - Encodes a transcription factor that recognizes the platelet-derived growth factor-responsive element in the matrix metalloproteinase 3 promoter. The encoded protein is thought to be a transcriptional coactivator, enhancing the activity of transcription factors such as JUN and SP1. Mutations in this gene are associated with autism spectrum disorders. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.
  
  
• SKAP1 (Src kinase-associated phosphoprotein 1) - Encodes a T cell adaptor protein, a class of intracellular molecules with modular domains capable of recruiting additional proteins but that exhibit no intrinsic enzymatic activity. The encoded protein contains a unique N-terminal region followed by a PH domain and C-terminal SH3 domain. Along with the adhesion and degranulation-promoting adaptor protein, the encoded protein plays a critical role in inside-out signaling by coupling T-cell antigen receptor stimulation to the activation of integrins.
  
  
• MEF2C (Myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2C) - This locus encodes a member of the MADS box transcription enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) family of proteins, which play a role in myogenesis. The encoded protein, MEF2 polypeptide C, has both trans-activating and DNA binding activities. This protein may play a role in maintaining the differentiated state of muscle cells. Mutations and deletions at this locus have been associated with severe mental retardation, stereotypic movements, epilepsy, and cerebral malformation. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described.
  
  
• NEGR1 (Neuronal Growth Regulator 1) - NEGR1 is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with NEGR1 include Podoconiosis and Obesity. Among its related pathways are Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). An important paralog of this gene is LSAMP (limbic system-associated membrane protein).

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Many of the filters that we have already discussed, or may discuss in the future, may actually be filters that contribute to the Critical Thinking Personality Spectrum Ensemble discussed in this chapter. Examples of such filters are:

• The various Cognitive Startup or Reboot Prerequisites - providing the basic cognitive operating system upon which all additional Cognitive Personality Ensembles are built.
• The Providence Relationship Personality Spectrum Filter - confers the ability to recognize the relationship that All That Is, including oneself, has with Providence (All That Is) as It unfolds.
• The Attachment Formation Personality Spectrum Ensemble - When it is dialed up sufficiently, our instinct or urge is to "maintain associations", to be "consistent", to minimize unexpected, uncomfortable or disappointing change.
• The Compatibility-Seeking Personality Spectrum Filter - When dialed up sufficiently, our instinct or urge is to "fit in", to be "agreeable", to lessen conflict or discomfort.
• The Bullshit Detection Filter - enables the perception of whether or not sufficient validation of a representation has occurred such that dialogue in search of the most accurate interpretation of what is being discussed can actually occur.
• Pattern Recognition Personality Filter - actively seeks to recognize patterns and discriminate between appropriate actions or conclusions as a result of habituated, repeated experience.
• The Faith (Requirement to Believe) Personality Filter - strong tendency to believe without additional rational confirmation. Paradigm challenge is not welcome.
• The Imaginative (or Creative) Personality Filter - enables the ability to craft novel explanations or proposals from learned material that is different from the explanations commonly given and accepted.
• Embrace of Indoctrinated Preferences Filter - hardens the embrace of (or commitment to) beliefs to the point that they will NOT be reconsidered when credible information is offered that is in conflict with those beliefs. Alternate views are simply dismissed, ignored. No reconsideration is ever attempted, or even contemplated to be made.
• Analytical Spectrum Personality Filter - actively seeks to break things down and verify what is actually present or meant in order to understand a thing
• The Fact Recognition Personality Filter - enables the ability to recognize actual facts as indeed actual facts, and actual consequences as indeed actual consequences. Some are better (more accurate) at it than others. To be clear, for some, true facts and truthfully rationally explainable consequences are not readily recognized as such by some and others recognize them as such more easily. Complicating matters, often a strong Imaginative Personality Filter, when present, leads to comfort that alternate consequences can unfold from various circumstances (even though, in fact, such consequences have never been seen to unfold from those circumstances.) Again, actual facts are not recognized as actual facts, and actual consequences are not recognized as actual consequences. This filter is different from the Embrace of Indoctrinated Preferences Filter, although the perspective impact can often be the same.
• Others not listed.

→ The Section above was last updated 10 Jul 2017 18:50 PDT ←

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