The debate of nature versus nurture is concerned with the relative importance of the innate qualities (nativism) that are possessed by an individual against personal experience (behaviorism) in the determination of differences that are witnesses in a person both in physical as well as in behavioral traits (Cherry). The use of the phrase "Nature versus nurture" was started by Francis Galton in the discussion how hereditary and environment influence social advancement. However, the debate is dated back in the days of Plato who lived between 428 and 348 B.C.E and who had a belief that intelligence capability and morality traits are inherited. Shortly after this, Aristotle who lived between 384 and 322 B.C.E. made an argument that humans are not innate but rather they arrive through the external experiences they go through. The argument took the center stage in Europe even in 1600s and in 1831, the founder of the evolution concept Charles Darwin made an argument that natural selection is responsible in permitting trait continuance in species (Myers).
The role of genes in the determination of an individual’s intelligence was first studied by Francis Galton. Galton theorized that children inherit intelligence from their parents. He tested his idea using the twin study using identical twins that carry identical genes and fraternal twins carrying different genes. Through the advancement in molecular genetics, there are various genes that have been associated with certain behaviors such as athletic ability, addiction, depression and violent tendencies. Researchers have so far linked several genes with some diseases and behaviors. These include gene CYP2A6 whose variation may determine the number of cigarettes that one smokes. In addition, the risk of having Alzheimer disease is 80% determined by genetic factors. Athletic capability is also linked with a certain gene that causes the skeletal muscles to have powerful contractions at a high speed. In the case of alcoholism, 20 genes have been identified as candidates responsible for excessive drinking (Bryner).
There has also been reported that nurture has an effect on the intelligence of an individual. Evidence has suggested that environmental factors that surround a child while growing may have an effect towards their overall IQ. The normal child development, therefore, requires a given minimum level of care for the child to develop normally. Environment is thus seen to play a crucial role in a trait that is seen to be fully genetic. Children deprived of this care, those who are neglected and those who are abused result in having very negative effects on their intellectual development (McLeod).
In practice, there is no one who accepts to take either of the extreme positions. This is because there are too many facts that support both positions and it is thus hand to take an all or nothing position. Trait variability may thus be said to result from varying proportions of both genetic and environmental factors. Gene interacts with various signals coming from other genes as well as those from the environment in order to create a given personality or trait. The epigenetic markers that are involved in adjusting how intense a gene is expressed may be affected by environmental factors such as chemicals, diet, as well as other differences in lifestyle. This may explain the difference observed in identical twins brought up in different environments or their differences as they grow old. Rather than getting a clear-cut solution to the debate, researchers are now interested in the extent at which nature and nurture are involved. Therefore, genetic disposition or environmental exposure alone may not be a clear indicator of the destiny of any trait or personality.
Works Cited
Bryner, Jeanna. Nature vs. Nurture: Mysteries of Individuality Unraveled. 2006. Online. 13 August 2013. <http://www.livescience.com/4168-nature-nurture-mysteries-individuality-unraveled.html>.
Cherry, Kendra. What Is Nature Versus Nurture? 2013. Online. 13 August 2013. <http://psychology.about.com/od/nindex/g/nature-nurture.htm>.
McLeod, Saul. Nature Nurture in Psychology. 2007. Online. 13 August 2913. <http://www.simplypsychology.org/naturevsnurture.html>.
Myers, D. G. Psychology. 10th. Holland, Michigan: Worth Publishers, 2013. Print.
