Treasure Hunts
Lord of the Flies; Nature vs. NurtureIntroduction
Philosophers such as Piaget and
Chomsky have pondered the question, "What guides our actions, innate characteristics
or environmental conditions?" Most would agree that both influence us.
However, one might also wonder which has a stronger influence. Are Jack and
Ralph in Lord of Flies, equally influenced by either? Use the information
gathered from this web search to help you answer the question.
Guiding Question
Are our actions influenced by our innate
genetic characteristics or by the environment in which we live?
Questions
1. What is the social theory regarding
"nature vs. nurture" (environmental vs. innate influences) ?
2. According to this theory, what is meant by nature?
3. What is meant by nurture?
4. Who
are the leading theorists regarding the theory above?
5. What
do they propose regarding the effects of environment on individuals?
6. What do they propose regarding the effects of innate qualities?
7. What was the theory of the "survival of the fittest?"
8. Who has applied this theory to society?
9. How has his theory been applied to society?
10. What do theorists
propose regarding humans' dependence on the "survival of the fittest?"
Internet Resources
Themes of Lord of the Flies 1
Themes of Lord of the Flies 2
Themes of Lord of the Flies 3
Jean Piaget
Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development
Piaget's Theories
Chomsky
Chomsky on Education
Chomsky on Human Nature
Psychology of Language
Nature vs. Nurture
Debate between Nature vs. Nurture
Nature vs. Nurture Debate
Overview of Nature vs. Nurture Debate
Controversy over Nature vs. Nurture
Nature vs Nurture Discussion
Eugenics
Charles Darwin
Darwin's Theory
"The Survival of the Fittest" 1
"The Survival of the Fittest" 2
"The Survival of the Fittest" 3
Herbert Spencer
Social Darwinism
Activities
- For Jack and Ralph: Draw a Venn diagram for each listing:
a) How environment on the island influences his behaviors.
b) How social upbringing influences his behaviors.
c) Those behaviors influenced by both.
- Research and describe "Nature vs Nurture" theory. Include examples from either your own experience or from what you have observed in society to
illustrate the main points of the theory.
- Design a chart depicting how the Nature vs. Nurture theories apply to
Lord of the Flies. Include examples from the text.
- View Empire of the Sun. Write a journal explaining how both, "Nature vs.
Nurture" and "Survival of the Fittest" theories relate to Jaime, the main character.
- Final Essay: Choose one of the following on which to write an essay:
A. Morality and conditioning of it are what makes civilization rather than savagery.
Or B. We might believe that Simon was correct in believing that all humans are capable
of evil, even those who try to be rational and civilized. Yet, Piggy suggests that
accidents or special circumstances produce evil in humans. Write an essay in which you
discuss which point of view you feel is most correct.
Dawne Lange, Teacher, and Eric Chau, AP
student, collaborated to develop this web
hunt.
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