[fChk]

So the debate is mainly as to which factor plays the more important part in our behavior and growth. Is our personality effected more by our genes or by our upbringing?

Nice topic!.. but you should edit the title to make it more in line with the topic, which should be something like 'Nature Vs. Nurture in Personality Development', for example.

Some philosophers such as Platos suggested that particular elements are caused by genes and occur naturally without environmental effects. However, other philosophers seem to agree with the other opinion.

Did Plato know about genes ?!!.. I think you meant Plato thought that personality/behaviour is due to innate factors, because 'Genes' as a concept didn't make it till early 20th century with Bateson rediscovering Mendel's Laws.

Personally, My opinion on this matter would be that initially our personality is controlled by Nature, especially before one explores the world. Once he/she grows, the environmental factor comes into play and may or may not effect the person in positive/negative way. E.g. I am of the opinion that no child is born evil, however the environmental effects can shape his/her personality.

By controlled by Nature you mean innate, ie hereditary.

You see, formulated like you did in that quote, there is no debate on the subject as everybody should subscribe to what you're saying. Because what you're saying is too broad/general and taken generally a concept like 'personality' has an above average grounding in the Biology (ie the genes) and the rest is shaped by the environment, ie :
1- the physical environment: weather, geography, etc..
2- the cultural environment: language, values, traditions etc...
3- the socio-economic environment: the education level of the family members, their wealth, the social status of the family etc...

All those various factors play a role in that 'personality' development in various ways at varying degrees.

May comeback to this later on...