NAME: Bryan Bryle G. Lloren COURSE & SECTION:
BSED SOCSTUD 1-2
SUBJECT: Child and Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles MODULE NO.: 1
A Reaction Paper on the NATURE VS. NURTURE CONTROVERSY
“Am I a product of my genes and heredity, or am I a being shaped by the
environment?” As I reached adolescence, I became more inquisitive and keen on
whether nature or nurture significantly influenced my development, personality, and
behavior. The nature vs. nurture controversy has existed since time immemorial. It has
always been a colossal inquiry into whether human development is naturally inborn or
shaped through experiences. Nature encompasses all genes and inherited traits,
whereas nurture encompasses all environmental influences. The controversy between
the two prominent concepts lies in which one is more superior or inferior than the other.
Philosophers like Plato and Descartes argued that certain things occur naturally,
regardless of external stimuli. On the contrary, knowledge is predetermined through
lived experiences, as suggested by John Locke and John Watson. So, which is more
important, nature or nurture?
On a personal note, I identify myself as gay or homosexual. Many people have
inquired as to why and how I came to be one. I do not know the answer, including
myself. What I know is that my uncle and niece, both from my parents’ side, as well as
my older sister, are also homosexual. Indeed, is homosexuality inherited? As I can
remember thus far, I have been fond of movies such as Barbie and Winx Club. Even my
childhood companions are mostly girls and are into feminine activities such as dressing
up and ramping. Now, is it forged by the environment? The answer is still skeptical, for
the issue of the origin of homosexuality rages up to this day. Both nature and nurture
influenced my sexual orientation, and this is the very least I believe is true.
Today, I stand with the prevailing stance that the most paramount factor of all is
the interaction between heredity and environment, albeit not heredity or environment
alone. Without having lopsided beliefs between nature and nurture, and instead,
acknowledging the strength and power attributed to the two as they interact with one
another. Height is relevant to the nature-nurture interaction. Being born of two tall
parents does not guarantee a tall offspring. The lack of nourishment during the child’s
infancy immensely impacts the child’s supposed height. Therefore, we conclude that
genes are not the sole determining variable of one’s development; in lieu, external
stimulus should be considered. Another instance is your capacity to speak a certain
language. You may not be able to speak Mandarin today, but there is nothing carved in
your DNA that says you cannot speak Mandarin tomorrow.
As a keen information consumer, it has always been a pinnacle of my
beguilement as to whether what truly stimulates human development actually does so.
Venturing into the vast sea of knowledge and acquiring substantial amounts of
information each day, I have realized that it is not a matter of which one is more
powerful: nature or nurture. It has always been “nature plus nurture,” rather than “nature
versus nurture.” In the words of Irene Romero in her 2016 TedTalk, “You are not a
battleground between nature and nurture. You are the canvas upon which they
collaborate. You are the product of their interactions. ” Rather than arguing the
superiority and inferiority of nature and nurture, we should emphasize their pivotal role
in human development as they complement one another. I must say that they are
interdependent in shaping our development, personality, and behavior as a person.
BSED SOCSTUD 1-2
SUBJECT: Child and Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles MODULE NO.: 1
A Reaction Paper on the NATURE VS. NURTURE CONTROVERSY
“Am I a product of my genes and heredity, or am I a being shaped by the
environment?” As I reached adolescence, I became more inquisitive and keen on
whether nature or nurture significantly influenced my development, personality, and
behavior. The nature vs. nurture controversy has existed since time immemorial. It has
always been a colossal inquiry into whether human development is naturally inborn or
shaped through experiences. Nature encompasses all genes and inherited traits,
whereas nurture encompasses all environmental influences. The controversy between
the two prominent concepts lies in which one is more superior or inferior than the other.
Philosophers like Plato and Descartes argued that certain things occur naturally,
regardless of external stimuli. On the contrary, knowledge is predetermined through
lived experiences, as suggested by John Locke and John Watson. So, which is more
important, nature or nurture?
On a personal note, I identify myself as gay or homosexual. Many people have
inquired as to why and how I came to be one. I do not know the answer, including
myself. What I know is that my uncle and niece, both from my parents’ side, as well as
my older sister, are also homosexual. Indeed, is homosexuality inherited? As I can
remember thus far, I have been fond of movies such as Barbie and Winx Club. Even my
childhood companions are mostly girls and are into feminine activities such as dressing
up and ramping. Now, is it forged by the environment? The answer is still skeptical, for
the issue of the origin of homosexuality rages up to this day. Both nature and nurture
influenced my sexual orientation, and this is the very least I believe is true.
Today, I stand with the prevailing stance that the most paramount factor of all is
the interaction between heredity and environment, albeit not heredity or environment
alone. Without having lopsided beliefs between nature and nurture, and instead,
acknowledging the strength and power attributed to the two as they interact with one
another. Height is relevant to the nature-nurture interaction. Being born of two tall
parents does not guarantee a tall offspring. The lack of nourishment during the child’s
infancy immensely impacts the child’s supposed height. Therefore, we conclude that
genes are not the sole determining variable of one’s development; in lieu, external
stimulus should be considered. Another instance is your capacity to speak a certain
language. You may not be able to speak Mandarin today, but there is nothing carved in
your DNA that says you cannot speak Mandarin tomorrow.
As a keen information consumer, it has always been a pinnacle of my
beguilement as to whether what truly stimulates human development actually does so.
Venturing into the vast sea of knowledge and acquiring substantial amounts of
information each day, I have realized that it is not a matter of which one is more
powerful: nature or nurture. It has always been “nature plus nurture,” rather than “nature
versus nurture.” In the words of Irene Romero in her 2016 TedTalk, “You are not a
battleground between nature and nurture. You are the canvas upon which they
collaborate. You are the product of their interactions. ” Rather than arguing the
superiority and inferiority of nature and nurture, we should emphasize their pivotal role
in human development as they complement one another. I must say that they are
interdependent in shaping our development, personality, and behavior as a person.
