nature-nurture controversy
Scientists over the relative importance of
environment (upbringing, experience, and
learning) and heredity (genetic inheritance)
in determining the make-up of an organism,
especially as related to human personality
and intelligence. Particularly controversial
is the reason for differences between
individuals, for example in performing
intelligence tests. The environmentalist
position assumes that individuals do not
differ significantly in their inherited
mental abilities and that subsequent
differences are due to learning, or to
differences in early experiences. Opponents
insist that certain differences in the
capacities of individuals (and hence their
behaviour) can be attributed to inherited
differences in their genetic make-up.