Seeing the World Through a Third Eye: Developmental Systems Theory Looks Beyond the Nativist–Empiricist Debate.

In response to the commentaries on our article (J. P. Spencer et al., 2009 ), we summarize what a developmental systems perspective offers for a 21st-century science of development by highlighting 5 insights from developmental systems theory. Where applicable, the discussion is grounded in a particular example—the emergence of ocular dominance columns in early development. Ocular dominance columns are a paragon of epigenesis and are inconsistent with the nativist view. We conclude with optimism that developmental science can move beyond the nativist–empiricist debate armed with both modern technological tools and strong theory to guide their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]