Theories Of The Nature Versus Nurture Essay Debate
The nature vs. nurture essay refers to the scientific, cultural, and philosophical controversy over whether human culture, behavior, and personality are predominantly determined by nature or nurture. In this discussion, nature is frequently described as genetic or hormone-based behaviors, characteristics, and inclinations, whereas nurture is typically regarded as environment, culture, and experience.
However, there are several assumptions about nature. Evolutionary psychologists think that behavior is the outcome of natural selection in an Environment of evolutionary adaption (EEA). The interpersonal attraction may thus be described as a result of sexual selection – men and women choose partners who improve their reproductive success (Crawford, 1989).
Personality is nourished, according to arguments for the dominance of nurture. This group contends that one does not acquire personality through heredity. They contend that the mind is born with a blank slate. The notion of nurture has expanded to include the effect on development that comes from parental, and peer influences, as well as the function of media, marketing, and socioeconomic position (Scott, 1995).
Perception
To explain the disagreement over nature vs nurture, two major perception theories are offered. Gibson (1979, cited by Cardwell and Flanagan, 2004. Page 262) argues that the concept is inherent in the fact that the sensory network contains enough information for perception to occur without additional cognitive input. In turn, Gregory (1972) states that most sensory data is ambiguous and fragmentary, requiring the use of expectations (derived from pleasure) to perfect the perceptual system (Michael, 2001).
Intelligence and Personality
Monozygotic twins grown apart had a higher IQ (0.74) than dizygotic twins raised together (0.6) and significantly higher than adoptive siblings (0.0). (Crawford, 1989). In previous Harvard investigations, identical twins raised independently showed resemblance in the time and pattern of growth and maturity. There was also a similarity in several of the temperament and behavior underpinnings, ranging from sensitivity to activity to emotional reaction (Westen, 2002). This meant that twins’ personalities were impacted more by their DNA than by the environment in which they were nurtured.
According to these findings, our genetics have a greater effect than our surroundings. Identical twins are more similar to one another than fraternal pairings in terms of IQ, psychological qualities such as political conservatism, conviviality, and even religion, homosexuality, and neuroticism. This suggests that genes influence various characteristics of personality.
Humans, no matter where they are reared, cannot entirely change the DNA that they are born with. These studies have yielded significant evidence of heredity. The amount that may be ascribed to heredity varies from research to study. Parents have some impact on childhood IQ. On the other hand, by late adolescence, this bond has faded to the point that adopted siblings have no more IQ in common with strangers (Westen, 2002).
In favor of Nature
In 1924, John Watson sought to contradict natural views by claiming that if given a dozen healthy children and his own world to raise them, he could teach each infant to be whatever sort of expert he chose—doctor, lawyer, or even robber. This became a popular saying during the height of behaviorism when the infant was thought to be a “tabula rasa” (blank slate) on which anything might be molded via environmental experience. This would be a completely environmental viewpoint, but almost no psychologists today would adopt such a radical stance (Crawford& salmon, 2004).
Environmental Influence on Behavior and Morality
One may argue that pro-homosexual children are more likely to be targeted for molestation from a biological or developmental standpoint. According to sociological research, youngsters who have had pre-homosexual encounters are more likely to be confused about their sexual identity and eventually label themselves as homosexuals. From the standpoint of the moral environment, one may argue that a society that views gay activity as increasingly neutral will give fewer and weaker restraints on people who correlate early homosexual experience with homosexual identity (Scott 1995).
Levy, a psychologist, investigates the roles of nature and nurture in the development of moral inclinations. He claims that evolution provides humans with a prerequisite for morality. However, he claims that while evolution provides the preconditions for morality, it is only through the cultural elaboration of this raw material that humans become moral creatures. He goes on to say that humans are animals who will never be free of their biological background. He claims that humans have no need since it provides them the flexibility, logical, and caring conduct that they desire and allows them to strive to become more moral people (Carlson, 2005).
Conclusion
The relationship of nature and nurture is a popular topic of discussion all across the world. People from various experiences, ideas, and attitudes attempt to offer their viewpoints and demonstrate the significance of biological and environmental elements in human development. BookMyEssay provides you with essay writing help with a professional essay helper. We intend to provide you with full assistance with websites to write essays. Our various unique tools help essay writers free online.