The Human Nature Hypothesis
The concept of the human nature hypothesis first came about in the 17th and 18th centuries. At the time, natural philosophers and religionists proposed that human behavior was governed by a common set of “human instincts” or traits that were rooted in our nature. This hypothesis has been used to explain and predict human behavior on both a theoretical and empirical level. Over the years, many authors have suggested that certain universally accepted characteristics—such as self-interest, competition, and aggression—ought to be understood as part of human nature.
Most researchers agree that innate dispositions are a major factor in behavior. Therefore, the concept of human nature provides a general starting point for understanding human behavior, but it is not comprehensive enough to explain the complexity of the human psyche. Human nature is a term used to describe the bundle of traits shared by the entire human species. It is the motivating force behind our behavior and process of thinking, although it is composed of both genetic and learned factors.
The impact of environment on behavior has been traditionally minimized, primarily as a result of a belief in universal human nature, but modern research has amended this perspective. Arguments and evidence from animal behavior and both laboratory and real-world studies suggest that human behavior is shaped by the environment, as well as genetic dispositions. For instance, the different ways in which various societies have responded to external threats and stressors have been studied to understand how the environment affects behavior. The environment can also influence a persons innate dispositions by leading to habit formation, favoritism, and other behavioral responses.
As the theory of innate human character has gradually lost favor, the focus has shifted to the dynamic interaction between genetic and environmental influences on behavior. This interaction, often referred to as “interactionism”, suggests that the environment can introduce variation into innate dispositions, leading to unique behaviors. For instance, a study by Robert Plomin and Jody Corley studied the relationship between genetic markers and behavior among 144 individuals. Their results indicated that the effects of genetic factors on behavior varied depending on the individuals environment.
It is clear that the individuals genetic makeup still interacts with the environment, such as through environment-sensitivity and the emergence of habit formations. Nevertheless, the exact nature of this gene-environment interaction remains the subject of much debate. In addition, the human nature hypothesis has often been used to justify particular positions in terms of social and political policies. This tends to draw researchers away from uncovering the true underlying mechanisms of behavior, and towards a more dogmatic approach.
At its core, the Human Nature Hypothesis is designed to explain human behavior. The evidence suggests that this hypothesis is limited in its ability to explain the complexity of the human psyche, as it does not take into account the full range of influences and factors that shape our behaviors. Moreover, its usefulness for political and social policy is limited. That said, it is still important to recognize the element of human nature that shapes our behavior, as understanding this interaction can help us better comprehend the subtlety of our own nature.
