[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. 4 claims with evidenced back up body paragraphs
Claim 1: Native language is a trait that is completely determined by the environment.
Evidence: Studies show that children, regardless of where they're born, can learn any language with equal facility.
One of the strongest pieces of evidence supporting the claim that native language is determined solely by the environment is the fact that children, regardless of their place of birth, are capable of learning any language with equal ease. Research has demonstrated that babies are born with a language learning capacity, commonly referred to as the language acquisition device (LAD), which enables them to acquire the language spoken in their environment. This suggests that the specific language a child learns is determined by the external influences they are exposed to. For example, an infant growing up in a bilingual household will effortlessly acquire both languages spoken by their caregivers. Additionally, studies of adoptees who have been raised in environments where a different language is spoken from that of their biological parents further support this claim. These individuals typically develop fluency and proficiency in the language of their caregivers, highlighting the powerful influence of the environment on language acquisition. Therefore, the evidence strongly suggests that native language is a behavioral trait entirely shaped by the environment.
Claim 2: Nurture should be defined as the environmental (non-genetic) factor of a person's upbringing.
Evidence: Nurture has been expanded to include various environmental influences such as advertisements, media, education, peer influences, and home environments.
The definition of "nurture" has evolved beyond solely encompassing the care given to children by their parents, to now include all the experiences and influences that shape an individual's development. This expanded definition considers factors such as advertisements, media exposure, education, peer influences, and home environments as elements of a person's nurturing. This shift in the understanding of nurture reflects a broader recognition of the various non-genetic influences that contribute to an individual's growth and development. For instance, research has shown that exposure to violent media can increase aggression in children, thus highlighting the impact that media and entertainment have on behavioral traits. Moreover, studies have also demonstrated the significant role of peer groups in shaping behaviors and influencing decision-making processes during adolescence. Therefore, the evidence supports the claim that nurture should be defined as the environmental factor of a person's upbringing, encompassing various influences beyond solely parental care.
Claim 3: Inherited traits have more power in determining a person's identity than how they are nurtured or raised.
Evidence: Inherited traits are developed before birth and are highly influential in shaping one's identity.
Scientific research has led some scientists to assert that a person's nature, referring to the traits inherited from their parents, has greater influence on their identity compared to their upbringing or nurturing. Inherited traits are developed before birth and are embedded in an individual's genetic code. They encompass physical characteristics such as eye color, height, and facial features, as well as certain predispositions or vulnerabilities towards diseases or disorders. For example, individuals with a family history of heart disease may be more likely to develop this condition themselves. Additionally, research exploring personality traits suggests a strong genetic component in determining aspects such as extroversion, introversion, and neuroticism. These inherited traits can significantly impact a person's identity and shape their behaviors and choices throughout their life. Therefore, the evidence supports the claim that inherited traits have more power in determining a person's identity than how they are nurtured or raised.
Claim 4: Non-genetic factors such as wealth and social status can be highly heritable.
Evidence: Wealth and social status are commonly passed down through families.
Non-genetic factors, such as wealth and social status, can indeed be highly heritable. Research has consistently shown that individuals who are born into affluent families are more likely to experience economic advantages and attain high social standing throughout their lives. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors, including inherited financial resources and family networks that facilitate educational and occupational opportunities. Studies examining intergenerational social mobility have consistently demonstrated the persistence of social status across generations, indicating the strong heritability of non-genetic factors like wealth and social standing. Therefore, the evidence indicates that non-genetic factors related to wealth and social status are often passed down through families, thus supporting the claim that these factors can be highly heritable.