Free will and determinism

Question 1

What is the free will- determinism debate?

Answer 1

Behaviour matter of free will or influences that determine who we are and what we do

Question 2

Define free will

Answer 2

Humans can make choices, behaviour/ thoughts aren’t determined by bio or external forces.

Question 3

Define determinism

Answer 3

Behaviour shaped by internal/ external forces than individual’s will to do something.

Question 4

2 versions of determinism?

Answer 4

Soft and hard determinism

Question 5

Define soft determinism

Answer 5

Behaviour predictable, restricted free will.

Question 6

Define hard determinism

Answer 6

all behaviour caused by something, free will illusion.

Question 7

3 types of determinism.

Answer 7

Biological- behaviour influenced by bio influences can’t control (bodies stress response).

Environmental- behaviour caused by environment can’t control(Skinner- behaviour due to conditioning).

Psychic- behaviour caused by unconscious psychodynamic conflicts can’t control.

Question 8

Describe scientific emphasis on causal explanations.

Answer 8

Science principles basis of every event in universe. Each has a cause explained using general laws (hard determinism)- predict/ control future.

Lab experiments do this.

Question 9

Strength of free will, in terms of practical value.

Answer 9

Roberts et al- adolescents strong belief in hard determinism. Risk of depression. External LOC less optimistic.
Even if don’t have free will, believing we do positive impact.

Question 10

Limitation of free will, in terms of brain scanning evidence not supporting free will.

Answer 10

Supports determinism
Libet et al- instructed ppts to randomly flick wrist while measuring brain activity.
Ppts had to say when felt will to move.
Found unconscious brain activity leading up to movement came 1/2 second before conscious decision to move.
Suggests free will determined by brain before aware.

Question 11

Counterpoint of limitation of free will, in terms of brain scanning evidence not supporting free will.

Answer 11

Just because action comes before conscious awareness of decision to act- decision took time to reach consciousness
Evidence not appropriate to challenge free will.

Question 12

Limitation of determinism, in terms of the position of the legal system on responsibility.

Answer 12

In court offenders held responsible as offenders exercised free will in crime.

In real world, determinism doesn’t work.