Abstract
SynopsisWhether one discusses the causes of cancer or mental illness, coronary thrombosis or delinquency, one invariably encounters the problems of heredity and environment. Peculiar to this debate is the fact that the discussion soon becomes heated, whether it takes place in a staff conference or in a private home. Why such emotions? The explanation is simple. The question is vital to all of us; furthermore, our knowledge may influence our philosophy of life. However, more frequently perhaps, our views of life affect our convictions about heredity and environment. The politically conservative will perhaps doubt that life experiences are able to change human nature: “Wars have always taken place”. The politically radical on the other hand will tend to deny the biological limitation of the human mind: “There are no limits to human progress”. How one values the significance of heredity and environment will usually also be a function of one's professional discipline. The biologist tends to neglect social for...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
