You read in your philosophy class textbook that humans are...

You read in your philosophy class textbook that humans are born 'tabula rasa" or "blank slates." As a student of psychology, which of the following responses would you have? (A) The statement is incorrect. Humans may be born without reflexes and instincts, but we are born with the ability to learn them. (B) The statement is correct. Humans are born without instincts or other mechanisms in place to help us survive. (C) The statement is correct. Humans are born with a certain number of neurons, but most develop later as we learn. (D) The statement is incorrect. Humans are born with a set of reflexes that help us survive. (E) The statement is impossible to prove since we cannot infer what babies know or do not know due to their lack of language.

You read in your philosophy class textbook that humans are born 'tabula rasa" or "blank slates." As a student of psychology, which of the following responses would you have?
(A) The statement is incorrect. Humans may be born without reflexes and instincts, but we are born with the ability to learn them.
(B) The statement is correct. Humans are born without instincts or other mechanisms in place to help us survive.
(C) The statement is correct. Humans are born with a certain number of neurons, but most develop later as we learn.
(D) The statement is incorrect. Humans are born with a set of reflexes that help us survive.
(E) The statement is impossible to prove since we cannot infer what babies know or do not know due to their lack of language.

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Key Concepts

Tabula Rasa

Tabula rasa is a philosophical concept that suggests humans are born without built-in mental content, and that all knowledge comes from experience or perception. This concept asserts that individuals start as ‘blank slates’ and that environmental influences and learning shape their personalities, behaviors, and intellect over time.

Nature vs. Nurture

The nature versus nurture debate centers around the extent to which genetic inheritance (nature) or environmental factors (nurture) shape human behavior and development. This concept is essential in psychology when considering whether traits and abilities are innate or predominantly acquired through experience.

Innate Reflexes and Instincts

Innate reflexes and instincts refer to the fixed, natural responses present in organisms from birth, which are not learned. In contrast to a blank slate theory, this concept highlights that certain behaviors or responses may be hard-wired, serving adaptive purposes for survival from the outset of life.

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