Is violence a genetic trait?

Answer 1

agression almost certainly has a gentic component as it does in other animals but social influences, both good and bad, have a much stronger influence

Answer 2

yes...violence is absolutely a genetic trait. it is as fundamental and primitive as hunger, the need to not only survive, but to pass along our genes. however, evolution has brought with it a much more dominant genetic trait...one of intelligence, control, and compassion.
we all have the capacity for exhibiting violence, however, with that capacity comes the knowledge that it is now wrong to initiate violence. we have the capacity to control our actions based upon what is right and wrong. i could write a paper on how we know what is right and wrong...but it is this simple, all societies would agree that raping a new born baby is wrong. there you go...you now have a universally binding moral principle. 'raping babies is wrong.' this is a sick and extreme example, but very clear at establishing the concept of universally binding moral principles.
while violence is a definite genetic trait, it is a trait with which we have no more need. perhaps before modern intelligence, this violent behavior was neccessary to help keep us going. as important of a role as it played in primitive times, it will be just as important to our continued survival to completely reverse this behavior and focus on eliminating violence if for no other reason than our own survival.
i hope this helps answer your question.

Answer 3

While I do think that sin is genetic and some aggression might be as well it would be wrong to say that "Because I was born with more aggression it's ok for me to do bad things."

First of all, if you thought it should be taken as a valid excuse then you wouldn't be able to punish that person.

Second, you would then have to believe that everyone is a slave to their genetics and could not help to be anything to the contrary (and therefore would not be fair to punish someone for something they had no control over). Yet we see children from rapes not become rapists. We see children from murders not become murders. We even see people who fought in wars father children who are coincensous objectors.

You can only be a slave to your genetics so far.

Answer 4

Aggression is a genetic trait but Violence is only nurtured by how you are raised and in what environment... Its like raising dogs... breeding has something to do with it, but usually if they have a good owner from the beginning they can turn out to be good dogs...

People aren't really that different.

Answer 5

No, it is not a genetic trait, but it can be a familial trait whereby violence is condoned and expected in the family. We learn what we grow up with ... but ultimately, it's one's choice to behave in a violent way or a non-violent way.

Answer 6

Violence as a means of conflict-solving is learned, not inherited. Aggressive temperament, on the other hand, depends on the genetic makeup of an individual. For example, even-tempered dogs usually have even-tempered puppies.

Answer 7

I think a significant part of the genetic contribution to violence is if it works or not! If one genetically has an advantage in violence - it will contribute. But I agree with other postings - environmental contributions are MUCH MUCH more significant.

Answer 8

I think that it is more sociological, environmental and cultural. Take a baby away from these violent influences, put the baby into a peaceful environment and it will probably grow up non violent. Violence is a learnt thing.

Answer 9

It's how you were brought up. If you were brought up in an abusive environment, then you too, may stear towards violence. I don't think, though, that it is a genetic trait.

Answer 10

It appears to be a contingent strategy that has rules of deployment. Yes, the variance appears genetic, but you are not taught violence so much as you are taught to be peaceful.

Answer 11

There's no doubt about it. I have the same mean streak in me that I've seen in my mother, father, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and all my uncles. I now see it in my nephews too. It's hard to control our tempers and we all have about the same boiling point. If we boil over WATCH OUT!!! Because I'm Scandinavian, I call it the Viking inside me.