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Steven Pinker The Blank Slate Summary

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The blank slate is one of the most polemic topics concerning the human mind. It is a theory that implies that at birth the human mind is unaltered and it gains knowledge through experiences and social interactions. The purpose of Steven Pinker’s panel discussion is to discuss the reasons of why he refutes the theory of the blank slate. His ideas are far more inclined towards nature rather than nurture. This is an argument that challenges whether human developed behavior is determined by environmental experiences also known as nurture or from one’s genetic DNA referred to nature. Pinker uses the argument of nurture and nature within the study of twins and unrelated siblings in order to disprove the Blank slate theory. Pinker’s discusses the relationships between siblings, …show more content…

The MRIs shows to have a “massive correlation in the distribution of grey matter” as described by Pinker in identical twins compared to the other individuals(Pinker). He uses this information to imply that the similarities in personality and behavior are encrypted in the DNA and not determined by environmental influences. The psychologist Pinker incorporates a quote from a parent concerned about their child’s development. He quotes her, “ Im supposed to do lots of physical activity with my kids so I can instill in them a physical fitness habit… I’m supposed to do all kinds of intellectual play so they'll grow up smart”(Pinker). This parent is assured that her actions will create an impact in her children's lives. It is evident that not everyone disagrees with the blank slate theory and inclines towards nurture to help develop better habits for their children. Playing educational games and encouraging physical activity is an environmental influence to increase productivity in a child according to this parent. However, Pinker contradicts this idea as he says, “Genetically controlled studies find siblings separated at birth end up as similar as siblings reared together… anything that

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