Are we what we are because of the situations around us or are we who we are because of our genes? The Nature vs Nurture debate is about how much of human behavior is shaped either by genetics or by the environment.
The question has its roots in ancient philosophy but has been discussed in some form or the other throughout the ages. Scientific revelations in genetics and psychology make this an ever-evolving topic. Essays on Nature vs Nurture allow for deliberations on science, philosophy, morality, and identity and give the opportunity to show critical thinking.
Below is a collection of Nature vs Nurture essays from both perspectives, and some in the middle. This topic may not have a right or wrong answer, but you will find persuasive arguments for either side. Use them as a resource and come up with your own view!
Happiness is like a butterfly The more you run after it The more it runs away from you And as you sit quietly doing your work It comes and sit on your hand Anonymous The above thought was written on the back cover of a notebook. It is a beautiful thought and quite provoking. Is …
Issue: Nature vs Nurture Essay Environment Nature vs Nurture 3 Pages 1094 Words Over the years, the debated contest of viewpoints regarding nature vs. nurture has been addressed by academics and research. The fact remains that the debate is still ongoing with increasing claims being made about it almost every day. Anthropologists, in particular have addressed the issue with researches and investigations. It all leaves us to the …
Nature vs nurture: Debate Essay Environment Nature vs Nurture 5 Pages 2010 Words The debate over what determines who we are, whether it is Nature (heredity) or Nurture (our surroundings) is taking a new shape. Is nature or nurture responsible for our actions? Have we remained creatures of nature? Can we resist natural influences with the power of our critical thinking? During the past decades, psychologists have created …
Nature vs. Nurture Debate in Understanding Sexual Orientation Essay Environment Nature vs Nurture 3 Pages 1160 Words The ‘nature vs. nurture’ debate is among the most popular and pressing issues in psychological development. This is a topic that extends not only to the field of psychology but also in biology as proponents of either argument base their positions on equally persuasive reasons that are with scientific value. This debate is also applicable …
Resolving the nature vs nurture debate Essay Environment Nature vs Nurture 5 Pages 1953 Words Darwin’s idea of evolution of species through natural selection revolves around the notion that individual differences are heritable, thereby leading to heritable changes from generation to generation, and the emergence of a completely new species. Darwinism completely shifted the view of human behaviour, thereby giving rise to two broad approaches to the study of animal …
Nature vs Nurture Nativism
At one extreme are the Nativists who believe in an extreme nature position. They hold that our genes determine not just physical traits like eye color, height, and skin complexion but also psychological factors like personality, intelligence, and behavioral tendencies. Different traits are turned on or off as part of a biological clock and these explain the mental growth and psychological condition of a human being throughout their life.
Nature vs Nurture Empiricism
On the other hand, Empiricists believe that humans are born as blank slates and are shaped by the world around them. Aristotle was the first to promote this idea of Tabula Rasa (Blank Slate). Empiricists are also known as environmentalists and hold that what we learn as we grow up shapes our personality and mental tendencies in life. Evidence for both perspectives exist, which has led most modern psychologists to fall in the middle.
