Nature vs Nurture
The controversy over what determines who we are, whether it is Nature (heredity, our biological make up) or Nurture (our environment) is taking a new shape. Through the past decades, psychologists have developed different theories to explain the characteristics of human-beings. Usually, these theories were one directional in the nature / nurture question. Today, a new approach to deal with this question is emerging. This new approach finds a middle ground between nature and nurture. The conclusion that nature and nurture are complementary and work hand and hand to shape a behavior is not a compromise. It is a result of numerous studies. Studies on heredity and environment plus their affects on determining one's development and behavior. In fact, the more we understand about development and behavior, the more obvious it becomes that nature and nurture are similar influences rather than determinants. Ultimately, "What is it that makes us who we are?" "Our genes made us. We animals exist for their preservation and are nothing more than their throwaway survival machines." This is what Richard Dawkins states in his book, The Selfish Gene. Dawkins argues that we are merely a product of our genes and our ma
Rydelius, P. A. "Introduction." March 15, 1999. In conclusion, it can be stated that our development and behavior are products of the interaction between nature and nurture. Scientists confirm that we are predisposed to certain traits and behaviors but this predisposition is susceptible to modification by genetics as well as environmental factors. It is no longer necessary to develop opposing arguments to, "Is it Nature or Nurture That Determines Who We Are?" We learn that it is the combination of these two vital factors that shape and define our development and behavior. Dobzhansky, Theodosius. Genetic Diversity & Human Equality. New York: Basic Books, 1973. Neubrauer, Alexander and Peter B. Neubauer. Nature's Thumbprint: The New Genetics of Personality. Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley, 1990. Many psychological illnesses can be explained as a result of combined genetics and environmental factors. As already stated, schizophrenia has genetic basis. It is also a fact that this mental disease is triggered by environmental factors including family factors and external stress. No two individuals are the same. Not even monozygotic twins have the same environment. "Every person is unique and nonrecurrent" (Dobzhansky 8). De Angelis, Tori. "When Children Don't Bond with Parents." March 15, 1999 Dawkins, Richard. The Selfish Gene. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989. Nature represents what we are born with and cannot control. Our biological make up is determined by the genes we receive from our parents, residing in the 23 pairs of chromosomes, 23 from each parent. "A gene is a segment of DNA that provide a blueprint to pass on genetics or hereditary information" (Microsoft). These genes not only affect our outlook, but also play a significant role in determining our behavior and our characteristics.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1243
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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