Philosophy is Dead (Part 2)

Assuming you read Part 1. http://theepitomeofmediocrity.blogspot.com/2010/05/philosophy-is-dead-part-1.html

There is a long standing debate which can be summed up nicely by the term "Nature versus Nurture". And up to this point in the discussion, my basic premise focuses on the nature side of the debate. But being the "epitome of mediocrity" I am - I cannot ignore the nurture side of the debate; I'm sure it will come as no surprise that I believe both play equally in our development.

It happens that there is a very nice example I can use to effectively address both my central premise - as well as the nature versus nurture debate. Given that we live in the digital era - I strongly recommend you watch the movie "Les Miserables" with Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush (and yes you should probably read the original Victor Hugo novel as well). On the surface, it would seem the general theme is that we can change; we do not act according to our genetic make up. But there is an interesting dichotomy here. In the story, a seemingly hardened criminal (Valjean) is transformed into a successful, morally righteous business man and philanthropist by a single act of kindness. But we also learn why he was imprisoned in the first place. As a young boy, Valjean was homeless and starving and in an act of desperation he stole some bread. The instinct to survive overruled his instinct to obey/support the needs of the society and for this he was imprisoned for nearly 20 years. So I could argue that Valjean was genetically predisposed to be a man of acceptable moral quality - but through the circumstances of his birth, he was forced to abandon these qualities. However, while on parole 20 years later, he stayed with a priest. The priest caught Valjean stealing at which time Valjean struck him down. This was not an act of desperation. But I would submit that this was 20 years of nurture. Valjean had "learned" a new moral code - take what you want when you can. That was the method of survival in prison. It is my belief that Valjean was genetically predisposed to be a "good" person. Through desperation and circumstances he was put into a position in which he learned a new moral code. But when the opportunity presented itself - through the kindness of the priest - Valjean quickly reverted to those moral codes his genetic make-up had provided him.

In a way, one could point out that this story actually refutes my point. After all, Valjean was able to "learn" a new moral code. This opens the door for us to believe that ethics really do have their place - it helps us teach the expected values of a society. But I am still inclined to disagree. While in prison, Valjean most certainly did not attend religious sermons or read philosophical treatises which "taught" him how one should conduct themselves in prison. Instead (just like the original theft) Valjean was merely adapting to survive. He had been placed in an environment in which the overwhelming majority was comprised of that 10-20% of society which does not have the genetic predisposition to function appropriately (and it is to be expected that 10-20% of the prison population - like Valjean - does have the "correct" genetic make-up). Later, when given the opportunity, it was much easier for Valjean to "transform" since his natural inclinations were never removed; he was never genetically altered. Had Valjean's original genetic make-up been "evil" - this act of kindness by the priest never would have changed a thing.

I believe nurture can certainly play a role in our development. But I believe that (for the majority) nurture is already steering us down the path our genetic make-up has already determined. It is only when placed in an environment which requires a new moral code, that nurture takes hold for our own survival. But at the first opportunity - our brains snap back not unlike a stretched rubber band returning to its natural state when you finally remove the external forces. (Note to self: can't wait to dissect A Clockwork Orange now, haha)

To be continued....