Sunday, August 12, 2018

What are the impacts of environmental (social, economic, religious, philosophical, etc.) biological, and other factors within the debate of nature vs. nurture?

The "nature versus nurture" debate seeks to understand the underpinnings of human nature by exploring whether genetics help predetermine personality, or if it can be shaped and affected by environmental and other factors. In other words, are our most significant traits inherited, or acquired? Some of the aspects of what make up a person are clearly indicated by genetics, such as being predisposed to hereditary diseases, as well as physical make-up like height, eye color, etc.
The physical attributes of a person are an interesting area to explore in this debate. For example: Someone whose genetic tendency might be to be strong and healthy could be affected by living in poverty (thereby not being able to eat healthy food or afford good medical care) or an unhealthy environment (such as near a source of industrial pollution). These factors can also affect someone's intellectual development, because both poor diet and exposure to industrial pollutants can affect brain development, focus and memory function in the brain, and scholastic achievement.
Religion is an interesting question in this debate also. Many people attribute a basic understand of "good and evil" to living in the framework of a religious belief system. But of course, people who are raised within a given religion may also act in ways going against the tenets of that religion's moral stance. Does this mean the person is genetically predisposed to be "bad" or is there some flaw in the religious system?
Perhaps the most controversial subject within this debate is that of how one's economic situation affects one's ability to become successful. Even someone who has the genetics that give them superior intellectual abilities, or athletic prowess, or artistic talent, may be at a disadvantage without being given opportunities to develop and grow these assets. Economic advantages may determine whether a student receives a good education, or whether they grow up in an environment relatively free from danger and stress. Children who are raised within economically disadvantaged communities are often believed to be at a educational and social disadvantage to their peers who come from wealthier communities. More money pays for better facilities, better teachers, better supplies, better nutrition, and overall better support systems for learning. But this is such an entrenched problem in American education that disadvantaged school systems have had to get creative and determined to overcome these problems and give their students the best opportunities they can for a promising future.

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