Interactionism (nature versus nurture)

In the context of the nature-nurture debate, interactionism is the view that all human behavioral traits develop from the interaction of both "nature" and "nurture", that is, from both genetic and environmental factors. This view further holds that genetic and environmental influences on organismal development are so closely interdependent that they are inseparable from one another.[1] Historically, it has often been confused with the statistical concept of gene-environment interaction.[2] Historically, interactionism has presented a limited view of the manner in which behavioral traits develop, and has simply demonstrated that "nature" and "nurture" are both necessary.[3] Among the first biologists to propose an interactionist theory of development was Daniel Lehrman.[4] Since then, numerous interactionist perspectives have been proposed, and the contradictions between many of these perspectives has led to much controversy in evolutionary psychology and behavioral genetics.[5][6] Proponents of various forms of interactionist perspectives include Philip Kitcher, who refers to his view as "causal democracy", and Susan Oyama, who describes her perspective as "constructive interactionism".[7] Critics of interactionism include major figures in behavioral genetics such as Robert Plomin, and philosopher Neven Sesardic.[6][8][9]