Free will vs determinism

Question 1

AO1: what is determinism

Answer 1

Determinism is the idea that an individual’s behaviour and thoughts are pre-determined and controlled by internal and external forces.

Question 2

AO1: all about biological determinism (schizophrenics)

Answer 2

Biological determinism claims we are entirely determined by genetic factors; for example, research has shown that first degree relatives of schizophrenics have a more likely chance of developing the disorder too.

Question 3

AO1: All about psychic determinism (Freud)

Answer 3

Psychic determinism claims that behaviour is a result of childhood experiences and innate drives; for example, Freud’s model of psychological development suggests that gender differences are acquired during the phallic stage of development.

Question 4

AO1: all about environmental determinism (phobias CC)

Answer 4

Environmental determinism claims that behaviour is caused by experience learned through classical and operant conditioning; for example, phobias learnt through classical conditioning

Question 5

2nd AO1: hard vs soft determinism

Answer 5

Hard determinism is the view that all behaviour is caused by forces outside a person’s control

Soft determinism is the view that behaviour is still caused but not by external events but by their own conscious desires

Question 6

2 AO3s for determinism

Answer 6

Scientific (+) - predicit and control, Skinner, treatment

Mitigating individual liability (-) - agression, serotonin, excuse in court, less accountability

Question 7

Scientific (+) - predicit and control, Skinner, treatment

Answer 7

P: A strength of deterministic theories is that they align with the aims of psychology, which involve predicting and controlling behaviour.
E:For example, Skinner proposed that behaviour is shaped by environmental contingencies and can be predicted and controlled through reinforcement schedules.
E: This aligns with the scientific goals of psychology, as it seeks to understand and manipulate behaviour based on observable principles. Deterministic theories provide a structured framework for studying human behaviour, allowing researchers to make precise predictions about how individuals will respond to various stimuli. By emphasising the role of environmental factors and conditioning, psychology can develop effective treatments for behavioural issues, such as phobias and addiction. As such, this demonstrates the practical utility of determinism in psychology.
L: Therefore, deterministic theories can be provided with scientific credibility.

Question 8

Mitigating individual liability (-) - agression, serotonin, excuse in court, less accountability

Answer 8

P: However, deterministic approaches may be critiqued for potentially mitigating individual liability, particularly in the context of biological explanations for aggressive behaviour.
E: For instance, research on the role of neurotransmitters like serotonin in aggression suggests that certain biological factors can influence behaviour.
E: This matters because such explanations might be used to mitigate the responsibility of individuals for their aggressive actions. This critique raises important ethical and moral questions about how deterministic theories can impact our legal and societal systems. Consequently, if individuals can attribute their actions to biological factors beyond their control, it may lead to reduced accountability for harmful behaviours, potentially undermining the justice system’s principles.
L: Therefore, using determinism to defend criminals could lead to vexing legal issues regarding the nature of responsibility and intent.

Question 9

AO1: free will definition

Answer 9

Free will is the idea that we can play an active role and have choice in how we behave.

Question 10

AO1: free will assumption

Answer 10

The assumption is that individuals are free to choose their behaviour and are self-determined.

Question 11

AO1: free will example

Answer 11

For example, people can make a free choice as to whether to commit a crime or not.

Question 12

AO1: can we predict behaviour using free will?

Answer 12

Therefore, a person is responsible for their own actions, and it is impossible to predict human behaviour with any precision.

Question 13

AO1: humanistic ideas on free will

Answer 13

Humanist psychologists argue against the determinism view, claiming that humans have self-determination and free will and that behaviour is not the result of any single cause.

Question 14

What are the 2 AO3s for free will

Answer 14

AO3: free will as an illusion (-) actions from brain states = beyond control, Sam Harris

AO3: biological treatments, SSRIs OCD (-)

Question 15

AO3: free will as an illusion (-) actions from brain states = beyond control, Sam Harris

Answer 15

P: Free will has been critiqued as an illusion, suggesting that our actions are products of our brain states, which are themselves influenced by prior causes beyond our control
E: For instance, Sam Harris critics free will as an illusion, possibly suggesting that our actions are products of our brain states which are themselves influenced by prior causes beyond our control.
E: This may challenge the traditional concept of free will and suggests that human choices may be more deterministic than previously believed. Sam Harris’s argument invites us to question deeply held notions of personal agency and autonomy. As a result, it may be raise questions on whether we truly have the capacity to make choices independently of external influences or whether our decisions are ultimately shaped by factors outside of our control.
L: Therefore, the argument of free will may be critiqued as a weak notion

Question 16

AO3: biological treatments, SSRIs OCD (-)

Answer 16

P: The idea of free will can be further argued against through the effectiveness of some treatments
E: For instance, the positive effects of SSRIs for OCD, which target low serotonin levels, may show that that some aspects of human behaviour may be influenced by internal factors beyond an individual’s control.
E: This is important because it tells us that the success of these treatments implies that certain behaviours have biological underpinnings that respond to biological treatments. Consequently, this observation challenges the notion of complete free will by indicating that at least some behaviours may be influenced by internal factors such as neurochemical issues. This may lead to individuals questioning whether their actions can be explained through personal responsibility or internal factors beyond their control.
L: Therefore, the extent to which free will may play a role in our lives can be discussed through instances where it may show otherwise.