[1] The nature versus nurture debate is about which part of a person is more important—their inherited qualities, which includes genes, or their personal experiences and the way they were brought up. For years, scientists have tried to find out what causes people to have different personalities, behaviors, and characteristics.
SCIENTIFIC APPROACH
[2] The nature versus nurture debate poses a very complicated scientific question: how do scientists figure out which one plays a greater role in the development of a person? Many scientists study twins that have separated at birth to answer this research question. Scientists use twins because they have identical genes, so it makes it easier to observe the effect of a person’s environment. Do you think twins raised in different homes will grow up to have the same personalities?
THE NURTURE SIDE
[3] The view that humans acquire all or almost all of their behavioral traits from “nurture” was termed tabula rasa, Latin for “blank slate,” by philosopher John Locke. This idea proposes that humans develop only from environmental influences. One example of a person’s trait that is completely determined by their environment is native language. Studies show that children, regardless of where they're born, can learn any language with equal facility.1
[4] The term “nurture” has historically been defined as the care given to children by the parents, with the mother playing an important role. Now, this term is regarded by some as the environmental (non-genetic) factor of a person’s environment. This new definition of “nurture” has been expanded to include, not just a person’s family upbringing, but also everything else they experience in daily life including advertisements, media, education, peer influences, and home environments.
THE NATURE SIDE
[5] Some scientists have concluded that a person’s nature--meaning the traits they got from their parents--have more power in determining a person’s identity than how they are nurtured, or raised. Inherited traits are traits that are developed before birth.
[6] Some genetic traits are highly heritable,2such as eye color. Some disorders or diseases are also heritable. However, environments are still influential in how that disease affects a person’s life; for example, people who are born with a disease may live a long time depending on how they are cared for. There are also some non-genetic factors that are highly heritable. For example, a wealth and social status are two non-genetic factors that are generally passed down from family.
CONCLUSIONS
[7] Some people criticize the whole concept of “nature versus nurture.” They claim that it is an overly simple way to think about a person’s identity. Perhaps the answer is not as simple. Are there other factors beyond genes and environment that make us who we are?
Which do you think has more of an influence on a person’s identity: their environment or their inherited traits? Refer to evidence from the text.
Nuture side
5 paragraph including introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion.
Introduction:
The nature versus nurture debate has long been a topic of interest among scientists, as it seeks to determine the extent to which a person's inherited traits or their environment influences their identity. This essay will explore the nurture side of the debate, focusing on the idea that a person's environment plays a significant role in shaping their identity. By examining studies on language acquisition, the expanded definition of "nurture," and the influence of upbringing and daily experiences, it becomes evident that the environment has a substantial impact on a person's identity.
Body Paragraph 1:
Language acquisition is an example that highlights the influence of the environment on a person's identity. Regardless of where they are born, children have the ability to learn any language with equal ease. This suggests that the environment, in the form of language exposure and social interactions, has a profound impact on the development of an individual's communication skills and, consequently, their identity.
Body Paragraph 2:
The expanded definition of "nurture" encompasses all aspects of a person's environment, including family upbringing, media, education, peer influences, and home environments. These external factors significantly shape an individual's beliefs, values, and behavior. Advertisements, for instance, can shape one's perception of beauty and influence their self-image, ultimately affecting their identity. Similarly, familial upbringing and interactions with peers mold a person's attitudes and values.
Body Paragraph 3:
The caregiver's role in nurturing a child has traditionally been associated with mothers. However, the modern definition of "nurture" considers the myriad of influences within a person's environment. This recognizes that individuals are continuously shaped by their surroundings, even beyond their upbringing. Education, for example, plays a vital role in nurturing a person's knowledge, skills, and societal understanding, which in turn affects their identity. Thus, the environment and the experiences it offers are key factors in shaping who we become.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the nurture side of the nature versus nurture debate emphasizes the significant influence of the environment on a person's identity. Studies on language acquisition illustrate the impact of the environment on crucial aspects of identity development. By considering the expanded definition of "nurture," including various environmental factors, it becomes clear that our surroundings play a crucial role in shaping our beliefs, values, and behavior. While inherited traits undoubtedly contribute to identity, the environmental influence cannot be overlooked. Overall, a person's identity is a complex interplay between their inherited traits and the nurturing environment they encounter throughout their life.