Final answer:
The claim that nature explains most differences in people's values and beliefs is false; societal factors, culture, and personal experiences have a larger impact. Historical contexts and intellectual movements like the market revolution and John Locke’s influence on the Declaration of Independence illustrate the importance of social influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'In general, nature explains most differences in people's values and beliefs' is false. Individuals' values and beliefs are largely shaped by their culture, upbringing, environment, and personal experiences. While human nature may provide a basic predisposition towards certain behaviors and reactions, the complexities of values and beliefs are more greatly influenced by societal and environmental factors rather than strictly by biological nature. This is evident in the diverse and often contradictory worldviews that exist within and between societies.
For example, the market revolution in the US introduced massive social and economic changes, altering how people lived and worked, which in turn could influence their values and beliefs. Similarly, Jefferson's use of John Locke's theories in the Declaration of Independence demonstrates how intellectual movements and historical contexts shape political values and beliefs.
Moreover, an understanding of evolutionary theory and genetics reveals that while there may be a biological basis for certain aspects of human behavior, the wide variation in human cultures suggests that environment plays a significant role in shaping beliefs. It is the interplay of both nature and nurture that ultimately shapes individuals and their value systems.