5.2 Free Will and Determinism

Question 1

What is free will?

Answer 1

The notion that humans can make choices and their behaviour/thoughts are not determined by internal or external factors

Question 2

What is determinism?

Answer 2

The view that an individuals behaviour is not controlled or shaped by internal/external factors (other than a will to do something)

Question 3

What are the 2 versions of determinism?

Answer 3

- Soft determinism: behaviour may be predictable (caused by internal/external factors) but there is still freedom to make rational conscious choices (james 1890)
- Hard determinism: (fatalism) view that all behaviour is dictated by an internal/external force that we cannot control at all

Question 4

What are 3 types of determinism?

Answer 4

- Biological: belief that behaviour is caused by biological (genetic, hormonal, evolutionary) influences that we cannot control

- Environmental: the belief that behaviour is caused by the features of the environment (reward and punishment) that we cannot control

- Psychic: the belief that behaviour is caused by unconscious psychodynamic conflict we cannot control

Question 5

Explain the scientific emphasis on causal explanations?

Answer 5

• Principle of science: every event has a cause and causes can be explained with general laws
• Knowledge of the causes/formation of laws allow scientists to predict and control events
• E.g lab experiments (enables the demonstration of causal relationships)

Question 6

AO3 for free will and determinism

Answer 6

1. Practical value:
- Thinking alone that we have free will improves our mental health
- Roberts et al (2000) observed adolescents who strongly believed in fatalism, found that they were at significantly greater risk of developing depression
- Those who exhibit external rather than internal LOC less likely to be optimistic
- Even if we do not have free will the belief we do may have positive impact on mind/behaviour

2. Research evidence:
- Brain scan evidence favors determinism - - Libet et al (1983) participants chose random moment to flick wrist while measuring brain activity
- had to say when they felt the conscious will to move
- Found that unconscious activity came 0.5 seconds before conscious decision to move
- Suggests even most basic experiences determined by brain before we are even aware

Question 7

One limitation of determinism

Answer 7

3. The law:
- Role of determinism in legal responsibility
- Hard determinist stance suggests individual choice is not the cause of behaviour
- Inconsistent with legal system where offenders are held responsible for their actions
- Determinist arguments incompatible with real world