What is the nature vs. nurture debate? & Why does it matter?

Usain Bolt wins

Throughout growing up, a child is usually told that one can do anything as long as he/she puts his or her mind to it. That is great for a child to understand, but despite knowing this philosophical viewpoint, a child quickly learns that some kids are better than others at certain activities. I’m sure throughout school you have realized that some students get skills faster and better than others. Some students just seem to have a knack for soccer and others don’t even seem to have to try to get good grades in classes that other kids struggle in. Have you ever wondered why you are good at something? Was it God who willed you to be a genius and have spectacular 3-point shots? Or was it just simple happenstances throughout your life that added together to give you your high IQ and near perfect shooting average. The nature versus nurture debate focuses on those questions. ” The researchers and psychologists want to know why certain people are better than others at certain activities.

Example: “Why is Jimmy faster and better at learning soccer than Zach?” Is it because Jimmy was born with genes skilled in hand-eye-coordination and speed, or is it simply because Zach does not put in as much effort as Jimmy into learning the skills?

The word “nature” in the title refers to the belief that characteristics and traits are inherited. It essentially states that people are born with specific skills and talents based on their genes.

The word “nurture” in the title refers to the belief that people are shaped by their environment. It means that people become talented at something because of the practice that he/she puts towards gaining the talent. People who support nurture highly value the impact of experience.

The nature vs. nurture debate involves people pondering, conducting experiments, and studying whether or not certain traits are inherited or learned.

Why does it matter?

  • Genetics: Experimental doctors can better understand the reason behind problems or talents within people. With a better understanding, doctors can work to prevent certain negative qualities.
  • Parenthood/Relationships: With a better understanding of behavioral qualities and talents, parents can learn when it is necessary for the extra  ffort and influence on their child (environment) and when it is simply time to accept and move on (inherited traits). (Inherited traits are typically less likely to change). Understanding “why” often gives people more patience and understanding when dealing with others. That can be carried into many relationships such as teaching, coaching, and even friendships.
  • Curiosity: Some people simply find an interest in asking “Why?” When a person finds a miraculous person, simply due to curiosity, it is human nature to wonder “What gave him the talent? why Him? and what did he do to obtain such a level of ability?”
  • Introspective: Knowing why you have certain emotions, talents, and abilities helps people move forward with their lives. It also gives them a better understanding of good influences/bad influences and possibly their life’s mission. A person’s view on the nature vs. nurture debate can change the way he/she appreciates certain aspects of life.  
  • Politically: Often times standing on the sole viewpoint of nurture causes political dispute because it essentially encourages racial inequality. It implies that genes make certain people “better” than others. One might say that people with predominantly Caucasian American genes will undoubtedly become fat and that Asian cultures will naturally rule the world of technology one day because they have “smart” genes. Both of those statements are politically incorrect and can be debated to be untrue. But in the spirit of the nature vs. nurture debate, are both of those statements true? Is there even the slightest possibility, despite the fact that we might not  ant to admit it? What do you think?
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Source Cited

Dunand, Emmanuel. Usain Bolt Wins. Digital image. Olympics 100 M Final: Usain Bolt. The Guardian, 5 Aug. 2012. Web. 12 Sept. 2013

McLeod, S. A. (2007). Nature Nurture in Psychology – Simply Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/naturevsnurture.html

Total Talent. Digital image. Soccermanager.com. N.p., 9 July 2012. Web. 12 Sept. 2013.

4 thoughts on “What is the nature vs. nurture debate? & Why does it matter?

  1. Pingback: Nature Versus Nurture Debate | EPI SL6A Summer 2014

  2. axr5380

    I completely agree with the two precedent comments , the way you treat nature vs. nurture debate is really smart. You show a great understanding of the theme, and always keeping your opinion neutral.

  3. kpk5112

    I really enjoyed this. I thought the way you framed it with the quotes, bullet points and short paragraphs makes your ideas easier to understand and makes it flow better. I like the numerous perspectives you brought to nature vs. nurture as I usually just think of the science debate within it. I’ll be interested to see what direction you take with the rest of your blog posts.

  4. had5101

    Your blog is very interesting! You clearly explain what each side of the argument so anyone reading it will understand. I think that so far you haven’t put in your opinion and you’ve kept it very neutral, some people aren’t able to do that it becomes very clear on their beliefs.

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