Free Will vs Determinism

Free Will

behaviours/ thoughts are not determined by biologic or external forces. We are free to make our own choices and have complete control of our behaviours/ thoughts

Determinism

All behaviour is shaped by internal/ external forces, we have no free will

Hard Determinism

All behaviour is caused by something (internal/ external factors) and free will is an illusion.

Soft determinism

behaviour is predictable (caused by internal/ external factors). We have restricted free will (limited personal choice). For example the cognitive approach.

Biolgical determinism

behaviour is caused by biological influences (genetic, hormonal, evolutionary) which we can’t control. For example the autonomic nervous system.

environmental determinism

behaviour is controlled by features of the environment (reward and punishment) which we cannot control. For example conditioning.

Psychic determinism

behaviour is controlled by unconscious psychodynamic conflicts which we cannot control. For example Freud.