Introduction to Psychology 101 (Discussion 1)

I have started a Psych 101 course at the Lansdale School of Business (this is required for my Technical Support Specialist/TSS diploma). Our reading assignment brought up some serious questions in my mind that I find a need to share.

In the book Invitation to Psychology (Carole Wade, Carol Tavris. - 4th ed., Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2008), our assignment was to read pages 53 - 65, beginning with Genetic Influences on Personality. The book goes on to explain that a lot of the research has proven that heredity can play a large part in personality and personality development. One example was Gerald Levey and Mark Newman, twin brothers that were separated at birth. When they were reunited at the age of 31, they:
"discovered some astounding similarities. Both were volunteer firefighters, wore mustaches, and were unmarried. Both liked to hunt, watch old John Wayne movies, and eat Chinese food. They drank the same brand of beer, held the can with the little finger curled around it, and crushed the can when it was empty."

The book also discusses how strong cultural influences can be. Some cultures are individualist, where people do their own thing (unfortunately, the U.S. falls into this category), other cultures are collectivist, where people live as part of a group (the Japanese are an example of this culture category). All the factors are discussed, many of which I do not have space nor time to mention.

Wade & Tavris seem to place a large basis on these theories. To me, they are saying that a large part of your personality is based on environmental conditions which are beyond your control. And, while it is true (to an arguable degree), there is an inherent problem in this line of thinking. IF it is true that a lot of your development is beyond your control AND is programmed into you (hardwired, as we called it in the Navy), then where does the concept of personal responsibility go. A murderer can argue that, "Judge, I killed my victim because I was born with the propensity for murder. It's not my fault.". An alcoholic can claim that, "I only drink because of alcoholism runs in my family. It's not my fault". The homosexual says, "I am gay because I was born that way:" (Yes, I know the jury is still out on that one). I mean, how do you hold people accountable for something that they do, when it could be something that they were born with? To my view, you don't.

Now, admittedly, this was our first reading assignment, so I will be able to learn more throughout the class and might get some answers. But, for now, this is a thought that I wanted to share with the world.