or would a better phrasing now be, "Our environment is a product of us."
2006-12-13 06:33:45 · 6 answers · asked by I Ain't Your Momma 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I think both are true to an extent. Both are somewhat independent to an extent.
That is, we are born with certain DNA, certain potential abilites, certain genetic endowments--environment can affect these to an extent but never totally. If you were born in, say, a poor country, grow up there and never leave, you might turn out significally different than if you were born in Southern California (to pick one of many possibilities).
Or, on the other hand, we obviously affect our enviornment a lot, as in global warming and pollution and overpopulation, but again not totally. There are powerful processes that go on independent on us and will continue after us.
2006-12-13 06:49:38 · answer #1 · answered by Bill 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's reciprocal. We influence our environment and our environment influences us, and we change each other. We aren't completely products of our environment (we are influenced by genetics and other internal forces), but it sets parameters on our growth, makes some behaviors and beliefs more probable (if we live in an environment of abundance we have different priorities and goals than those who live in poverty, for example). We change our environment in big ways collectively (e.g., global warming--whatever you think about it, the earth is hotter and we cause pollution) and small ways individually (changing our literal ecological environment and where we live, who we surround ourselves with, how we live, etc).
2006-12-13 06:49:19 · answer #2 · answered by Angry Daisy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We do not create our DNA, nor our parents, nor the DNA of the teachers and business people who created our schools and enterprises . .
. although we may choose our course in our environment, the environment existed before we did so . . .
2006-12-13 07:00:42 · answer #3 · answered by kate 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it depends if you're a comformist or a non-comformist.
these are the two types of people in a society.
the first one always adapt themselves to their environment,
the second one always want the evironment to adapt for them.
We owe our progress to the second.
2006-12-13 08:13:13 · answer #4 · answered by enki 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
eenie meenie mine-ie moe catch a tiger by the toe..... um the 1st one
2006-12-13 06:41:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kinda moot, isn't it? I mean, we're all interconnected. Can't have one without the other.
2006-12-13 07:12:22 · answer #6 · answered by Voodoid 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋