Vygotsky Nature Vs Nurture Theory

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Abstract
Nature versus nurture is an argument in psychology over whether a person’s innate qualities and behaviors are caused from their environment or if they’re born with it. Vygotsky places more emphasis on the social factors that contribute to cognitive development, in other words he is in favor of the nurture argument. He believes that everyone learns from their culture, environment, and social interactions. He talks about a few of his theories like the zone of proximal development, and a more knowledgeable other. He also expresses his thoughts on developmental tools and the importance of language to cognitive development. All of these factors together support his idea that children’s behavior is learned.

Zone of Proximal …show more content…

Vygotsky refers to these as tools of intellectual adaptation, which allow children to use basic mental functions more effectively, and these are culturally determined (McLeod, 2007). Vygotsky sees cognitive functions as things that are affected by beliefs, values, and these tools of adaptation of the culture in which a person develops. These tools vary culture to culture, but all play a large role in development. Even personal thoughts, the decisions that someone makes alone, are all effected by socio-cultural actions (Balakrishnan & Claiborne, 2012). Vygotsky also insists that emotion is an important part of understanding consciousness. He emphasized the development and cultural construction not only of meaning, but of emotion and directivity. It is hoped that through these two domains, the moral actions of children become acceptable and guide them into becoming moral citizens. (Balakrishnan & Claiborne, …show more content…

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