Free Will and Determinism

Question 1

Define free will

Answer 1

Assumes humans are free to chose their behaviour and that influences can be rejected at will

Question 2

Define determinism

Answer 2

The idea that free will is an illusion and all behaviour is caused by internal and external factors

Question 3

Define hard determinism

Answer 3

Behaviour caused by events outside an individual’s control

Question 4

Define soft determinism

Answer 4

Behaviour predictable but have internal/external causes, influenced by limited personal choices

Question 5

Define biological determinism. Give an example of something that is biologically determined

Answer 5

Uncontrollable biological factors, innate

Genes determine depression

Question 6

Define environmental determinism. Give an example of something that is environmentally determined

Answer 6

Uncontrollable environmental factors, conditioning

Brushing teeth

Question 7

Define psychic determinism. Give an example of something that is psychologically determined

Answer 7

Uncontrollable unconscious factors

Innate drives