1. Nature v Nurture: Pick A Side!
We do what we do because of our –
Genetics
Evolution
Behavior driven by…..
INSTINCT

2. Nature v Nurture: Pick A Side!
We do what we do because of our environment–
Parents / friends /teachers
Society / cultural influences
TV! / Other media
Behavior is….
LEARNED

3. Nature v Nurture: History
Europe
John Locke & David Hume- argue for experience
Rosseau & Kant – believe in “immutable human nature”….instinct?
Sir Francis Galton “Hereditary Genius” in success runs in families…must be nature
Monarchies – kings are kings because of birth (Cinderella, Prince & Pauper)

4. Nature v Nurture: History(2)
Other Nature “evidence”
Charles Darwin-Galton’s cousin- “Natural Selection” helps species evolve…..survival of fittest
William James – humans the most instinctual of animals
Adolph Hitler – “Aryan race” would return Germany to glory….led to Holocaust

5. Nature v Nurture: History(3)
Other Nature ideas…..United States
- By 1917, fifteen US states had eugenics laws to sterilize:
Epileptics
the mentally ill
Criminals
- 3rd International Congress in ’32 discusses “problems of African-Americans and needs to “cut off bad stock” ….Bushes & Rockefellers (

6. Nature v Nurture: History(4)
Nurture ideas:
By 20th Century, most American scientists lean towards nurture
John B. Watson: father of modern advertising….uses Pavlov’s conditioned reflex”
Sigmund Freud: early experiences determine later functioning
B.F. Skinner: Behaviorism/Operant Conditioning – all behavior is result of rewards & punishments

7. Nature v Nurture: Questions
How do YOU explain:
Twins preferences?
Sibling similarities / dis-similarities?
Alcoholism, Depression & other mental illness?
Food preferences / Cultural specific behavior?
Fears (snakes / spiders/ people)?

8. Nature v Nurture: Questions(2)
How do YOU explain:
Language?
Love?
Criminal Behavior?
Antisocial Behavior?
Homosexuality?
Religion?

9. Nature v Nurture: Think
Nature argument
If we consider genetics to determine our destiny, then why have special needs programs?

10. Nature v Nurture: Think(2)
Nurture argument
If the environment shapes our minds, then parents are to blame for troublesome children or…
…….anyone can be President