Free Will And Determinism Flashcards
What is free will ?
Free will is the belief we have freedom of choice and we have choice over own behaviour
According to free will, what are we free to do ?
We are free to choose the decision we make and have control over our decisions
What is volition ?
This is the power of someone using their own will
What is determinism ? Give examples.
Determinism is the idea that our behaviour and actions are determined by other internal or external factors. Examples include biological, environmental and psychic influences
What are the different types of determinism ?
Soft and hard determinism
What is soft determinism ?
It argues some form of free will is present in human behaviour but also recognises that other factors such as role models can influence a person’s behaviour also
What is hard determinism ?
This suggests free will is an illusion and humans are governed by forces which we have no influence over and controlled externally
What approach supports free will ?
Humanistic approach supports free will and says human expert free will in their behaviour from Maslow.
What approach supports Soft determinism ?
The cognitive approach supports SD as it acknowledges free will through rational processing of information to direct behaviour in someone
What three types of determinism supports hard determinism ?
Environmental, biological, psychic
What is environmental D ?
Behaviour is controlled by external influence such as our parents or environment
What is psychic D ?
Behaviour is controlled by unconscious fears and desires from traumatic past events and experiences
What is biological D ?
Human behaviour is determined by our own biology for instance our genes
How do psychologists explain causes of human behaviour and thought ?
Psychologists use methods from natural sciences
How do psychologists use methods from natural sciences ?
1) Psychologists must create a theory and hypothesis where cause and effect is shown.
2) Use empirical methods such as lab experiments to test hypothesis
3) Apply statistical analysis to see if prediction is statistically significant or not
