Physical assaults and assaults are the second leading cause of death among 14 to 17 year olds, after road accidents (Loeber). But why are humans so aggressive in the first place? There are two sides to the debate: nature and nurture. Some say that it is human nature, genetics, that causes most behavior, while others say that we act as we learned during childhood. This argument also applies to aggression. Aggression is primarily caused by events during childhood and adolescence, where people learn from various sources what aggression is, although human psychology plays a slight role. But what is aggression in the first place? Aggression is behavior that causes or intends to cause harm to another person. Accidental damage is not considered assault because the perpetrator did not intentionally intend to harm the victim. Additionally, there are two types: reactive and instrumental. Reactive aggression is aggression that is a response to an event. Instrumental aggression is used as a means to an end, aggression planned to achieve a desired outcome, whether physical, mental, or emotional (Anderson 27-51). Both sides of the cause of aggression boil down to the opposition between nature and nurture. Some claim that aggression is learned, while others claim that it is genetic (Ferguson). The first is more plausible, although the second should not be ruled out. The “blank slate” or “blank slate” theory states that humans are an empty slate that must be filled with knowledge and behaviors at birth (Locke). Humans are inherently peaceful and only learn to hate and manipulate through society (Rousseau). Therefore, aggression is learned and not innately present. These theories have been accepted by many people and influence the way we teach children today. Applied to agriculture ... middle of paper ... this all leads to the conclusion that aggressive behaviors are learned and are not something you are simply born with. Works Cited Anderson, CA, & Bushman, BJ (2002). Human aggression. Annual Review of Psychology, 53 (00664308), 27-51. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/205753750?accountid=1946De Aguirre, María Inés. “Neurobiological bases of aggression, violence and cruelty.” Behavioral and Brain Sciences 29.3 (2006): 228-. ProQuest Research Library. Internet. February 10, 2012. Ferguson, Chistopher J. “Natural Killers: The Genetic Origins of Extreme Violence.” » Aggression and violent behavior. 14(2009): 286-294. ScienceDirect. Internet. February 7, 2012. Loeber, Rolf. “Key Issues in the Development of Aggression and Violence from Childhood to Early Adulthood.” Annual Review of Psychology. 48 (1997): 371-410. Proquest. Internet. February 7 2012.