Free Will Vs Determinism Flashcards
Define Determinism
Behaviour is controlled by externa, or internal factors acting upon the individual.
Define Free Will
Each individual has the power to make choices about their behaviour.
Define Hard Determinism
The view that all behaviour can be predicted and there is no free will. The two are incompatible.
Define Soft Determinism
A version of Determinism that allows for some element of free will.
Name the four types of Determinism.
- Biological Determinism
- Environmental Determinism
- Psychic Determinism
- Scientific Determinism
What is the Biological Approach?
The idea that your behaviour is affected solely by your biology.
What is Environmental Determinism
The idea that your behaviour is determined by learning and experience.
What is Psychic Determinism?
The idea that your behaviour is caused by a mixture of your innate drives (Id) and the effects of your early experiences (ego+superego development).
What is Scientific Determinism?
The idea that each behaviour and though has a direct cause.
Name the two approaches that are associated with free will
- Humanistic Approach
- Moral Responsibility
What is Moral Responsibility?
In society it is assumed that we are in control of our own actions.
Name two ideas that support the idea of Free Will
- Metaphysical perspective - If we don’t have free will then what are we here for? What is the point in life if we don’t get to choose our own paths?
- Some psychological theories are based upon the assumption of free will (at first glance)
What is the Humanistic Approach?
The belief in the idea of ‘self determination’ where you are in charge of your own actions and behaviours.
