Free Will And Determinism

Question 1

Outline- free will

Answer 1

The idea that humans can make their own choices that aren’t influenced by external factors of biological factors

Question 2

Outline- Determinism

Answer 2

The idea that a humans behaviour is decided or shaped by external or biological factors

Question 3

Outline- Hard determinism

Answer 3

There is no element of free will in a humans decisions. It’s not possible.

Question 4

Outline- soft determinism

Answer 4

Behaviour is determined by external and biological factors generally, but can be determined by our conscious choices too (free will)

Question 5

Outline- biological determinism

Answer 5

All behaviour is caused by either hormones, genes, evolution etc that we cannot control

Question 6

Outline- environmental determinism

Answer 6

All behaviour is determined by external factors (such as reward and punishment). reinforcement

Question 7

Outline- psychic determinism

Answer 7

The belief that all our behaviour is caused by unconscious conflicts that we can’t control

Question 8

Evaluation- Support for determinism

Answer 8

• Consistent with the aims of science

- this is because it follows laws for everyone (nomothetic approach)

Question 9

Evaluation- against determinism

Answer 9

-it won’t be applied in real life as in our justice system we are held accountable for our actions and will not get let off if we believe in determinism

Question 10

Evaluation- for free will

Answer 10

Good face validity
- every day life gives the impression that we do have free will
Roberts et al (2000)
- found that people who believe their life is decided for them are at much more risk of depression than other
-Beck suggested depression is linked to faulty thinking

Question 11

Evaluation- against free will

Answer 11

Libert (1985)
-found using brain scanning, the brain comes up with a response to simple tasks up to ten seconds before the individual has become consciously aware of it