Nature or Nurture
Nature vs. Nurture
Is one shaped by nature or by nurture? This question of nature vs. nurture has been the center of controversy since the beginning of time. Insomuch, some feel that a living organism, such as animals, human beings, or cells may be influenced by external or internal stimuli based on one's environment. With such a huge divergence of perspectives on the issue, the nature-nurture debate is prominent in the academia arena with respect to intelligence. Although the dispute has its complexities, the two positions' essential elements are simple. Nature entails the genetic, inherited traits that a person possesses. Smart parents pass their good genes onto their children just as dull parents do. The result is smart and dull children, respectively. Nurture entails all of the environments, the variables outside the body in which a person experiences, such as books, teachers, parental love, and other helpful or harmful forces predominantly determine human intelligence. Hence, the nature vs. nurture argument is mostly moot today.
History
If one is disposed to the nature position, he or she is a nativist; to the nurture position, an environmentalist (Winkler, 2012). One should note that a great deal of diversity exists within these groups. Some environmentalists disbelieve the impact of genetics entirely. Others are more moderate, recognizing nature's impact. The same could be said of...
Nurture Wins Nature/Nurture The debate of nature vs. nurture has persisted with intensity over time. Some scholars contend that this debate can be traced back to the times of ancient Greece. In the debate, nature may be referred to as nativism, or innatism. The side of nature contends that a person's natural, in-born, or innate qualities have more of an influence over the person's life. Nurture refers to personal experience, context, and
Nature vs. Nurture in Criminology The nature/nurture issue has been a controversy in professional circles for many years. In criminology then, some hold that criminal behavior is socially (nurture) influenced, while others are of the opinion that genetics (nature) play a substantial role. While it is true that the environment in which a person is raised plays an important role in possible criminal tendencies, studies show that the innate nature of
Nature vs. Nurture ADHD as an Example of Nature vs. Nurture There are several schools of thought that address the way in which human beings develop their personality and behavioral traits. Some psychologists believe that traits tend to be innate, written into the individual's genetic code and thus inborn and largely predicted from conception (Gonzales-Mena, 2009). On the other hand, other psychologists believe that while individuals have genetic traits that may predispose
We're taking the radical position that the smarter thing is to just say 'neither' -- to throw out the debate as it has been historically framed and embrace the alternative perspective provided by developmental systems theory." (Science Daily, 2009) And research does seem to suggest that such a view is valid. Jay Belsky and Michael Pluess (2009), for example, review the related literature concerning the concept of plasticity to show
The general public has come to accept the sway of almighty genes in the human personality and destiny (De Waal). Studies of the behaviors of chimpanzees and bonobos illustrate striking similarities to human behaviors and suggest evolution and kinship (De Waal 1999). These range from politics, child rearing to violence and morality. There is no place for a blank slate. Human beings are naturally selfish and aggressive or they have
Since personality disorders are inherited, it can be assumed that overall personality traits are inherited from parents. Generally, people with similar characteristics have similar personalities since it's hereditary. Self-Confidence: The question on whether people are born with self-confidence or they are taught on developing this aspect is a fundamental issue about the nature vs. nurture debate. In the view of self-confidence being developed from environmental influences, it's basically stated that an
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