Post by Lauren O. on Oct 24, 2014 3:09:10 GMT
In my opinion, an individual has much more control over their beliefs then they do on their behaviors.The chances of developing certain behavioral disorders, such as Schizophrenia, are commonly transferred genetically. schizophrenia.com stated, "Population statistics on the heredity of schizophrenia estimate that a child with one diagnosed parent has about a 10% genetic risk of developing the disease themselves (this is compared to a 1% risk in the general population). The risk goes up significantly if a grandparent (or other close relatives) also has schizophrenia. (E.F. Torry, 1996)." (Look at the graph below to see the full statistics for the increased rates of schizophrenia arising in an individual's life when a family member has the disease). Since these humans already have these specific genes preselected for them I believe it makes it increasingly difficult to control their behaviors as a whole. Yes, schizophrenia is not a common disease, but addiction, social abnormalities, and hyperactivity are all common disease and behavioral acts that can be caused genetically. In fact, "Studies have shown that 40-60 percent of the predisposition to addiction can be attributed to genetics" (drugabuse.gov).
On the other hand, a humans' beliefs, in my opinion, are 100% controlled by the individual. As an American citizen I have the right to believe in one god, a thousand gods, or no god at all. That is up to me, AS AN INDIVIDUAL, to decide. Yes, beliefs are planted within a young child by their parents, but as that child grows up he/she will develop their own form of beliefs and ideals, while possibly questioning their parent's viewpoints in the process, to live their life. A person's beliefs is completely dependent to the individual and how they think. A person decides on their own what is justifiable and deems something as morally right.
Overall, this is a very opinionated question. It is in fact, my belief that all of this is true. Nevertheless,since many would disagree with my thinking, if an individual was able to give logical and sound reasoning I would possibly be persuaded to change my point of view on the subject.
