Nature vs. Nurture?

Are you the way you are because of genetics or because of your upbringing? This is the question that arises when we discuss issues like sexual preference, musical tastes and why some become criminals and others saints.

I think the question is really missing one other option; human free will. As a rational being we make choices, some big, but most are very small individual choices to respond or act within a range of options. Once having made a choice the next choice also forks off and over time, many small choices can lead one to a preference or characteristic that would be impossible to choose all at once.

Take the issue of for instance. We definitely have genetics which create hormones and these push us toward a strong impulse to be attracted to members of the opposite sex in most cases. However, some seem to be attracted to members of the same sex and these individuals usually claim they were "Born that way," which is even a hit song currently. But is this really the case? I think it can be in some cases.

Studies have shown some limited correlation but not enough to make a conclusion.  On the continuum I would guess there are genetic influences that would maybe open one person to a wider array of sexual expression then another. Additionally, another person may have had an upbringing that was highly sexualized or open minded which may have influenced the person during developmental years. But the third important influence would be small choices made along the way.

I have a friend with identical twin teenage girls. They are completely different in personality and we were discussing this fact, and the mother was even perplexed at the striking differences. After all, they were raised in the identical home at the identical time with the identical genetics. Yet, they are completely different. What explains this? I suggested it was the free choices that are made along the complicated and convoluted road of life.

Individuals may be genetically more sensitive to various tastes and therefore be free to acquire a taste for more exotic foods or actions. I tried to learn to smoke cigars but could never acquire a taste and gave up. So much for hanging out with other philosophers...The next time someone says, "Well, I am only human!" Remind them that being human comes with some window of free choice options, hopefully choosing the high road will occur when we realize we have the choice.