Free Will & Determinism

Question 1

Define free will

Answer 1

The notion that humans are self determining and can choose over thoughts and actions freely –> suggests we have power to reject external forces

Question 2

Define determinism

Answer 2

Proposes behaviour is determined by external forces

Question 3

Describe the two types of determinism

Answer 3

• hard determinism = all behaviour is causes by internal or external events of which we have no control
• soft determinism = acknowledge all behaviours have a cause but people also have conscious control over their behaviour

Question 4

Define biological determinism and what approach this falls under

Answer 4

Biological approach
Believes behaviour is caused by genetic, hormonal and evolutionary processes over which we have no control

Question 5

Define environmental determinism and which approach this falls under

Answer 5

Behaviourist approach
- Argues that all behaviour is a result of conditioning and our reinforcement history

Question 6

Define psychic determinism and which approach this falls under

Answer 6

Psychodynamic approach
- believes behaviour is influenced by biological drives and instincts, as well as unconscious conflicts we cannot control

Question 7

Outline evaluation for free will + determinism

Answer 7

Practical application —> drug treatment for mental illnesses (SSRIs for OCD + depression, antipsychotics for SZ)
- as biological determinism establishes cause + effect, supports scientific methods
Legal implications —> genes increasing likelihood of offending; takes away responsibility from criminals
- and not all people with these genes will offend, ppl with this gene may think it is «inevitable»
- prevents funding and participation in rehabilitation
+ Bowlbys maternal deprivation hypothesis also gives a negative outlook onto the future (=affectionless psychopaths)