Free Will and Determinism Flashcards
What is free will in psychology?
Free will is the belief that individuals have the conscious ability to make choices and are not determined by external or internal forces. This perspective emphasizes personal responsibility and autonomy.
What is determinism in psychology?
Determinism is the idea that behaviour is controlled by internal or external forces beyond an individual’s control, such as biology, environment, or unconscious drives. It suggests all behaviour has a cause.
What is biological determinism?
Biological determinism argues that behavior is governed by genetic, hormonal, or neurological factors. For example, aggression has been linked to genetic markers and high testosterone levels.
What is environmental determinism?
Environmental determinism states that behaviour is shaped entirely by external influences like upbringing, culture, or learning. For instance, Skinner’s operant conditioning emphasizes the role of reinforcement.
What is psychic determinism?
Psychic determinism posits that behavior is driven by unconscious conflicts, often rooted in childhood experiences. Freud’s psychoanalytic theory exemplifies this perspective
What is hard determinism?
Hard determinism holds that all behavior is determined by external or internal forces, leaving no room for free will. This view suggests that free will is an illusion.
What is soft determinism?
Soft determinism combines determinism with elements of free will, suggesting that while behavior is influenced by external factors, individuals can make choices within these constraints. Cognitive theories often adopt this stance.
What is the debate around causal explanations in psychology?
The debate concerns whether psychology should focus on causal explanations to maintain scientific rigor or allow for free will to better reflect human agency. This raises questions about predictability versus complexity.
How does free will align with humanistic psychology?
Humanistic psychology emphasizes free will, arguing that individuals are capable of self-actualization and personal growth. Carl Rogers’ client-centered therapy highlights the importance of personal choice.
What is the practical implication of determinism?
Determinism has practical implications for legal responsibility, as it challenges the notion of accountability if behavior is beyond one’s control. This is significant in cases involving mental illness.
What is the strength of determinism as a scientific approach?
Determinism allows for the development of predictive models and scientific laws, as seen in biological and behavioral psychology. This enhances psychology’s credibility as a science
Why is free will criticized from a scientific perspective?
Free will is criticized for lacking empirical evidence and being incompatible with the deterministic nature of biological and environmental influences. Critics argue it is more philosophical than scientific.
How does research in neuroscience challenge free will?
Libet’s study on brain activity preceding conscious decision-making suggests that free will may be an illusion. This supports the deterministic view that decisions are made unconsciously before awareness.
Why is soft determinism considered a compromise?
Soft determinism balances the predictability of determinism with the acknowledgment of human agency. This approach is more realistic for explaining complex behaviors like decision-making.
How does the free will-determinism debate impact therapy?
Deterministic views underpin therapies like CBT by targeting specific causes of behavior, while free will promotes empowerment in client-centered approaches. Both perspectives influence treatment outcomes.
