Nature Verse Nuture
Question: Genes determine the maximum potential of a person’s intelligence, character, disposition and environmental conditions determine the extent to which this potential can be achieved. Discuss the statement from your understanding of the spiritual embryo and the importance of hereditary (nature) and environment (nurture) in its development as analyses by Maria Montessori.
Many of the genes men carry are similar from one person to the other. However, it is the mix of these genes (determined by parentage), makes each one unique. The reason for this is because during conception each parent passes on half of his/her genes to the unborn child (that is the physical embryo). The gene is contained in the child’s colour of eyes, hair, height, weight complexion, intelligence, personality and so on. Secondary to the genetic inheritance, the environment can also affect a child’s development, both the prenatal and postnatal physiological development; the environment exerts considerable influence on a child’s development through the school environment, religious environment, neighbourhood where the child resides etc.
What determines how a child develops? Really, it would be difficult to account for each and every influence that ultimately determines who a child becomes. However, it is essential to discuss some of the most apparent influences such as genetics (Nature), experiences, friends, family relationships, schools (Nurture) in order to understand the influences that help contribute to a child 's growth.
These influences can be seen as building blocks. While most people tend to have the same basic building blocks, these components can be put together in countless number of ways. How much of who a man is, is shaped by the genetic inheritance, and how much is a result of his lifetime of experiences?
This question has confused philosophers, psychologists and educators for years and is often referred to as the “nature versus nurture debate”. Is the child the result of
Many of the genes men carry are similar from one person to the other. However, it is the mix of these genes (determined by parentage), makes each one unique. The reason for this is because during conception each parent passes on half of his/her genes to the unborn child (that is the physical embryo). The gene is contained in the child’s colour of eyes, hair, height, weight complexion, intelligence, personality and so on. Secondary to the genetic inheritance, the environment can also affect a child’s development, both the prenatal and postnatal physiological development; the environment exerts considerable influence on a child’s development through the school environment, religious environment, neighbourhood where the child resides etc.
What determines how a child develops? Really, it would be difficult to account for each and every influence that ultimately determines who a child becomes. However, it is essential to discuss some of the most apparent influences such as genetics (Nature), experiences, friends, family relationships, schools (Nurture) in order to understand the influences that help contribute to a child 's growth.
These influences can be seen as building blocks. While most people tend to have the same basic building blocks, these components can be put together in countless number of ways. How much of who a man is, is shaped by the genetic inheritance, and how much is a result of his lifetime of experiences?
This question has confused philosophers, psychologists and educators for years and is often referred to as the “nature versus nurture debate”. Is the child the result of
Bibliography: Heritage House Centre Class Notes 2014 Maria Montessori. 2011 The Secret of Childhood. New Delhi India. Orient Blackswan Private Limited Internet: psychology.about.com/od/early-child-development/a/genes-and-development.htm