[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.
[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, such 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. Nurture and 2 claims
from nature proponents that support this view include:
1. Genetic studies: Scientists have conducted numerous studies that show the strong influence of genes on certain traits and behaviors. For example, twin studies have demonstrated that identical twins, who share 100% of their genes, are more similar in various traits compared to fraternal twins, who share only 50% of their genes. This suggests a genetic basis for these traits.
2. Evolutionary psychology: Evolutionary psychologists argue that certain behaviors and traits are the result of natural selection, which has shaped human characteristics over time. They believe that certain behaviors, such as aggression or altruism, have adaptive value and are therefore more likely to be passed down through genes.
While the nature perspective acknowledges the role of nurture in shaping an individual's life, it places greater emphasis on the genetic factors that contribute to human traits and behaviors.