Free will VS Determinism

What is determinism?

An individual's behaviour is shaped or controlled by internal or external forces rather than an individual's will to do something

What is

An individual's behaviour is shaped or controlled by internal or external forces rather than an individual's will to do something

Determinism

What are the 5 types of determinism?

Hard

Soft

Biological

Environmental

Psychic

What is hard determinism?

free will is not possible as our behaviour is always caused by internal or external factors beyond our control

What is

free will is not possible as our behaviour is always caused by internal or external factors beyond our control

Hard determinism

What is soft determinism?

Human behaviour has causes but behaviour can also be determined by our conscious choices in the absence of coercion

What is

Human behaviour has causes but behaviour can also be determined by our conscious choices in the absence of coercion

Soft determinism

What is biological determinism?

Behaviour is caused by biological influences we cannot control

What is

Behaviour is caused by biological influences we cannot control

Biological determinism

What type of determinism believe that behaviour is controlled by biological influences that we can't control?

Biological

What is environmental determinism?

Behaviour is caused by features of the environment (systems of reward and punishment) that we can't control

What is

Behaviour is caused by features of the environment (systems of reward and punishment) that we can't control

Environmental determinism

What environmental factors does environmental determinism belive cause behaviour?

Systems of reward and punishment

Which type of determinism believes that behaviour is caused by features of the environment that we can't control?

Environmental

What is psychic determinism?

Behaviour is caused by unconscious conflicts we can't control

Which type of determinism believes that behaviour is caused by unconscious conflicts?

Psychic

Which approach believes in free will?

Humanistic

Which approach believes in biological determinism?

Biological

Which approach believes in psychic determinism?

Psychodynamic

Which approaches believe in environmental determinism?

Behaviourist

Social learning theory

What type of determinism is the cognitive approach?

Soft

What is the notion of free will?

Humans are self determinist

Determinist believes free will has no place in behaviour

2 Strengths of free will vs determinism

-Determinism is consistent with the aims of science

-Every day experiences give impression constantly exercising choice

What is

-Determinism is consistent with the aims of science

-Every day experiences give impression constantly exercising choice

2 strengths of free will vs determinism

Strength of free will vs determinism - Determinism is consistent with the aims of science

P: Determinism is consistent with the aims of science

E: Prediction of human behaviour has led to treatments and behavioural interventions eg: anti-psychotics

C: At least in terms of mental illness, behaviour would seem to be pre-determined

Strength of free will vs determinism - Everyday living gives impression constantly exercising choice

P: Everyday living gives impression constantly exercising choice

E: Research suggests ppl who have a high internal locus of control tend to be more mentally healthy

C:

2 limitations of free will vs determinism

-Determinism provides an excuse for crime

-Some argue free will is an illusion

What is

-Determinism provides an excuse for crime

-Some argue free will is an illusion

2 limitations of free will vs determinism

Limitation of free will vs determinism- Determinism provides an excuse for crime

P: Determinism provides an excuse for crime

E: 1981 Mobley argued he was born to kill after killing a pizza shop manager coz his family was predisposed to violence. American court rejected this argument

C: Truly determinist position may be undesirable coz it provides an excuse for ppl to mitigate personal responsibility

Limitation of free will vs determinism - Some argue free will is an illusion

P: Some argue free will is an illusion

E: Libet et al (1983) found motor regions of brain become active before person gains conscious awareness of decision

C: Many responses are biolgically determined and Skinner’s claim of free will as an illusion is correct