Intelligence is primarily innate. Discuss.
Nipin Gong-2014.4.7
Intelligence is primarily innate. Discuss.
Intelligence is defined as the general biological mental ability, including logical intelligence, linguistic intelligence, inter-personal intelligence and so on.In addition, it has long time that some physical characteristics are biologically determined by genetic inheritance, but there are some arguments whether intelligence is basically effected by gene. This essay firstly examines the arguments against the intelligence is primarily influenced by gene, followed by some evidences to emphasize intelligence is affected by environment and education.
First of all, it could be argued that an individual’s intelligence is influenced by their genetic endowment. Most of researchers believe basic intelligence is innate, good genetic quality is the foundation and natural conditions of the mental development. Moreover, it seems that intelligence is connected with the brain. According to Edmonds (n.d.), because frontal lobes appeared to be controlled by genetics, the results indicate that parents pass along the potential for their child. However, intelligence is still influenced firmly by many external elements.
Consequently, it is apparent that intelligence is highly modifiable by the environment. On one hand, Blech (2010 ) has claimed that a genius could not grow up in a poor environment .For example, many children in Holland went to school late because of Nazi occupation during World WarⅡ.Based on the event, the result of the research showed that the average IQ of these children are lower than those children who came to school after the war. On the other hand, family environment is as important as society environment. In different family environments, the approaches to treat the children are totally different. Some parents provide a rich environmental stimulation for children, such as some musical toys hanging on the ceiling, and their baby can learn to catch something quickly. On the contrast,
Intelligence is primarily innate. Discuss.
Intelligence is defined as the general biological mental ability, including logical intelligence, linguistic intelligence, inter-personal intelligence and so on.In addition, it has long time that some physical characteristics are biologically determined by genetic inheritance, but there are some arguments whether intelligence is basically effected by gene. This essay firstly examines the arguments against the intelligence is primarily influenced by gene, followed by some evidences to emphasize intelligence is affected by environment and education.
First of all, it could be argued that an individual’s intelligence is influenced by their genetic endowment. Most of researchers believe basic intelligence is innate, good genetic quality is the foundation and natural conditions of the mental development. Moreover, it seems that intelligence is connected with the brain. According to Edmonds (n.d.), because frontal lobes appeared to be controlled by genetics, the results indicate that parents pass along the potential for their child. However, intelligence is still influenced firmly by many external elements.
Consequently, it is apparent that intelligence is highly modifiable by the environment. On one hand, Blech (2010 ) has claimed that a genius could not grow up in a poor environment .For example, many children in Holland went to school late because of Nazi occupation during World WarⅡ.Based on the event, the result of the research showed that the average IQ of these children are lower than those children who came to school after the war. On the other hand, family environment is as important as society environment. In different family environments, the approaches to treat the children are totally different. Some parents provide a rich environmental stimulation for children, such as some musical toys hanging on the ceiling, and their baby can learn to catch something quickly. On the contrast,
References: Blech, J. (2010) How Hereditary Can Intelligence Be?: Studies Show Nurture at Least as Important as Nature [Online]. Available from:http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/how-hereditary-can-intelligence-be-studies-show-nurture-at-least-as-important-as-nature-a-716614-2.html (Accessed: 30 Match 2014) Edmonds, M.(n.d.) Why are people 's brains different sizes? [Online]. Available from: http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/brain-size2.htm (Accessed: 30 Match 2014) Neil, J. (2007) Nature vs Nurture in Intelligence [Online]. Available from:http://www.wilderdom.com/personality/L4-1IntelligenceNatureVsNurture.html (Accessed: 30 Match 2014)