Nature vs Nurture: Exploring the Complexity of Human Development

In summary, the conversation touches on the debate of nature vs. nurture and whether both play a role in shaping who we are. The documentary "Dr Money and the Boy with no Penis" is mentioned, where a scientific experiment attempted to prove that nurture could override nature. However, the experiment ultimately failed and the boy ended up taking his own life. The conversation then delves into the idea of interaction, where both nature and nurture can have an impact on certain traits or abilities, but may also be dependent on external factors. The example of height is used as an illustration of both nature and nurture contributing to a person's height. The concept of interaction suggests that certain genes may make a person more sensitive to positive environmental influences, but without those opportunities
  • #1
JimmyRay
89
0
does nature or nurture shape us? isn't it just both?
 
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  • #2
Interesting question. There was a documentary program here in the UK 'Horizon' Titled Dr Money and the Boy with no Penis.

It was about a scientific experiement done on a child you had to change sex from boy to girl because of major error resulting its penis being burnt off, (thats Dr money) and the experiement was to show whether if the 'boy' was raised as a girl, he would actually socially become a girl. (i.e. it was a experiement of nurture Vs Nature)

The experiment failed in a sad end, with the boy (as a grown up) killing himself.

I would say nature shapes us, always.
 
  • #3
im aware of that story...

But from what I know, both sides nature and nurture have good points...

but IS there a problem with making a conclusion to that debate saying it's merely both?
 
  • #4
But from what I know, both sides nature and nurture have good points...

but IS there a problem with making a conclusion to that debate saying it's merely both?

Reality, as usual, doesn't seem much interested in our debates. There are some things that are purely genetic, some that are purely cultural, a lot of cases where there is some additive contribution from both, and then there is the interesting case of interaction, which is just beginning to be studied. So you inherit a propensity to respond this way or that way to a given environment.
 
  • #5
Interaction... can you give me an example? and explain how it differs from saying "both" ?

what about nature and nurtured being connected or dependant on each other?
 
  • #6
JimmyRay said:
Interaction... can you give me an example? and explain how it differs from saying "both" ?

An example of "both" might be height; partly genetic, since tall or short people tend to have tall or short kids. But partly also due to nutrition, getting enough calcium as a child, and so on. The two effects are independent, but the result is a sort of sum of the two of them.

An example of interaction would be more speculative, since as I say this aspect of things is only now being studied. Take inteligence; part of the genome might not just raise the kid's IQ directly but make her more sensitive to positive cultural forces - education or music or whatever. So instead of saying that kid has a fine mind or a great talent it might be more correct to say the kid is able to take advantage of opportunities better than most. And that talent for taking advantage IS inherited!

But notice that if the opportunities are not there, the talent will not improve the kid at all. You might explain the Flynn effect this way; if IQ tests are the way to success, the take-advantage gene will enable the kid to do well on them, but if an IQ test is never seen except for some rare scientific investigation then the gene will have no fulcrum to act on and the resulting IQ measurement in those rare cases will be low.
 
  • #7
In the long run, genes themselves are shaped by the environment. Interaction is all there is when you step back far enough.
 
  • #8
what if you go back to when the time the first cell was made? Isnt that all environment?
 
  • #9
JimmyRay said:
what if you go back to when the time the first cell was made? Isnt that all environment?

The first prokaryotic cell did not just pop into existence. There was some form of history behind it, perhaps as is now thought some kind of RNA evolution that took a turn into DNA. The DNA told the cell what proteins to form and when. So there was inheritance even there.
 
  • #10
but why was there a prokaryotic cell to begin with?
 
  • #11
JimmyRay said:
but why was there a prokaryotic cell to begin with?


BECAUSE there was that prior history! RNA and DNA and all that, plus a long series of more or less random events and subsequent deletion of some of the results but preservation of others in the flux of change. Evolution, in other words.
 

1. What is the nature vs nurture debate?

The nature vs nurture debate is a long-standing argument about the relative influence of genetics and environment on human development and behavior. It asks whether our traits and characteristics are primarily determined by our genes (nature) or shaped by our environment and experiences (nurture).

2. Which one, nature or nurture, has a greater impact on human development?

The answer to this question is complex and still debated. Some studies suggest that genetics play a larger role in certain traits, such as intelligence, while others show that environmental factors, such as parenting and education, have a greater influence. However, most experts agree that both nature and nurture work together to shape human development.

3. Can the effects of nature and nurture be separated?

No, it is nearly impossible to completely isolate the effects of nature and nurture. Our genes and environment are constantly interacting and influencing each other, making it difficult to determine which one has a greater impact on our development. Additionally, many traits and behaviors are influenced by both nature and nurture, making it difficult to attribute them solely to one factor.

4. How does the nature vs nurture debate impact our understanding of human behavior?

The nature vs nurture debate has a significant impact on our understanding of human behavior. It highlights the complexity of human development and the fact that there is no simple answer to why we behave the way we do. It also emphasizes the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors when trying to understand human behavior.

5. Can nature and nurture be studied separately?

No, nature and nurture cannot be studied separately. In order to fully understand the influence of genetics and environment on human development, they must be studied together. Researchers use various methods, such as twin studies and adoption studies, to examine the interplay between nature and nurture and how they shape human behavior and development.

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