Free Will and Determinism

Question 1

2 positions of the debate

Answer 1

• free will
• determinism

Question 2

what is free will?

Answer 2

• the ability to choose how we think, feel and behave
• within personal control

Question 3

what is determinism?

Answer 3

• inability to choose how we think, feel and behave
• beyond personal control

Question 4

strengths of free will

Answer 4

• recognises difference in free will, rarely 100% similarity in studies so people can choose to act differently
• motivates individuals to change, if behaviour is within our control then people can improve bad qualities

Question 5

weaknesses of free will

Answer 5

• implies people are to blame, if behaviour is within personal choice then individuals are to blame for their negative characteristics
• harder to establish cause and effect, choose to behave differently means they are unpredictable

Question 6

strengths of determinism

Answer 6

• doesnt blame individuals for their behaviour, not choosen by individual means negative characteristics arent their fault
• more practical applications, if behaviour is determined by physical events then people can be controlled to be more functional

Question 7

weaknesses of determinism

Answer 7

• ignores differences in free will, rarely 100% similarity between groups in studies, people can act differently
• excuse for individuals not to change, if behaviour is not controlled by individuals they think they can’t improve