Over the years, several theories of knowledge have developed, and are currently debatable. First, there is John Locke's theory of nurture or tabula rasa, which argues that the human mind begins as a blank slate and it, is only through experience that character and personality are formed. Opposing Locke's blank slate theory, Steven Pinker, an influential writer, encourages his theory based on nature. It states that personalities are not made, but born, and that each character is mostly determined before birth. However, these theories are now questionable several hundred years later due to advancement in technology and genetics. Modern day science claims that nature and nurture are dependent on each other. Thus, a majority of the human character is shaped by genes, and also contrastingly by environment. In addition, other researchers have generated theories of knowledge which unify the theories of Locke and Pinker. Following the researchers Richard Herrnstein's and E.O. Wilson's views, "nature plays a significant role in shaping human intelligence and character traits through genetics" (Esin 1). Therefore, humans possess innate tendencies, and through life, learning, experience, and

Both Pinker's and Locke's theories are entirely centered on the opposing concepts of nature and nurture. One might wonder if there is a happy medium between Locke's view and Pinker's view. According to researcher's Richard Herrnstein and E.O. Wilson, nature does in fact "play a significant role in shaping human intelligence and character traits via genetic" (Esin 1). Then, nurture takes these "raw materials" and molds them as humans experience life and society. Humans possess this innate knowledge, but over time and through experience, they will become conscious of it and further apply it to their character. Modern day science claims that nature and nurture are dependent on each other. Thus, a majority of the human identity is shaped by genes, and also contrastingly by environment because "genes after all, only determine what kinds of minds we have. How we use our minds ultimately depends on our will power-to learn, adapt and progress" (Esin 2). This statement ultimately satisfies the theory of nature and nurture being codependent upon each other, since both genetics and society are relevantly influential on human identities.

To answer that question, Pinker's views on human knowledge explain the 'nature' aspect. Instead of a blank slate, Pinker calls human nature: "a set of preferences, predispositions, and abilit

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Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)