Introduction A debate has arisen among psychologists, scientists, and philosophical thinkers on the "nature vs. nurture" spectrum regarding human development. In the nature versus nurture debate, the term “nature” refers to the genes we inherit while the term “nurture” refers to our external environment (Nature vs. Nurture: Twin and Adoption Studies). This “nature vs. nurture” debate has been around for centuries and to this day is still a hot topic of discussion, albeit in the moment. Human development is the scientific study of age-related changes in behavior, thinking, emotions, and personality (Boyd & Bee, 2005). To understand the cognitive, emotional, physical, social, and educational growth that everyone experiences from childhood through adulthood, we must first understand the influence and importance of child development. Different psychologists have different theories and concepts about child development. Grand theories often use a stepwise approach in attempting to describe areas of development. Mini-theories focus only on a fairly limited aspect of development, such as cognitive or social growth. (Cherry, Child Development Theories, 2011) Discussion John Locke, a famous philosopher, once introduced the concept of tabula rasa which defines a child's mind as a "blank slate" on which it can be written and shaped by society and environment. He believes that who we are is determined by the experiences we face. Plato, the Greek philosopher, suggests that certain things simply happen naturally, regardless of any environmental influence. However, Jean Jacques Rousseau describes humans in their state of nature as noble savages living in peace and harmony but, due to civilization and progress in society, humans ... middle of paper ...... 0 © 1963). Childhood and society. W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.5. King, A. L. (2008). The science of psychology: A grateful view. New York: McGraw-Hill .6. Nature versus nurture: Twin and adoption studies. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2011, from Nurture or Nature.com: http://www.nurture-or-nature.com/articles/twin-and-adoption-studies/index.php7. Preaaley, M., & McCormick, C. (2007). Child and adolescent development for educators. New York: Guilford Publications.8. Robert S. Feldman, P. (2006). Child development, . University of Massachusetts,Amherst.9. Smolako, l. (1993). Adult development. Adult development .10. Spaulding, K. (2009). Human development theory: Psychological growth over time. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from Knol - a unit of knowledge: share what you know, publish your experience.: http://knol.google.com/k/human-development-theory#