The debate about the relative contributions of biology and experience to human development is most often referred to as the "nature versus nurture" debate.
- "Nature" refers to the genetic or biological factors that influence human traits, such as inherited genes and biological predispositions.
- "Nurture" refers to environmental influences, including upbringing, social interactions, education, and life experiences.
This debate explores the extent to which genetics (nature) or environment and experience (nurture) shape human development, personality, behavior, and abilities
. Historically, the debate was framed as a dichotomy between genetic determinism and the "blank slate" theory (empiricism), but modern perspectives recognize a complex interaction between both factors. The current scientific consensus favors an interactionist approach, acknowledging that nature and nurture work together dynamically to shape development
. In summary, this discussion is known as the nature versus nurture debate.
