Free will vs Determinism debate Flashcards
What is Free will?
Humans can make choices and are not determined by biological or external forces.
What is Determinism?
Individual’s behaviour is shaped or controlled by internal or external forces, rather than their will to do something.
What is Hard determinism?
It implies that free will is not possible, our behaviour is always caused by internal or external events beyond our control.
What is Soft determinism?
It is human behaviour has causes, but behaviour can also be determined by our conscious choices in the absence of coercion.
What is Biological determinism?
It is behaviour is caused by biological (genetic, hormonal, evolutionary) influences that we cannot control.
What is Psychic determinism?
It is behaviour is caused by unconscious conflicts that we cannot control.
What is Environmental determinism?
It is behaviour is caused by features of the environment (systems of reward and punishment) that we cannot control.
What is an example of hard determinism?
Biological, behaviourist and psychodynamic explanations for behaviour.
Depression can be explained by a low level of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
What is an example of soft determinism?
Cognitive explanations for information processing and schemas.
A male with a high level of testosterone may have aggressive tendencies that could lead to violence, but they have a choice in deciding whether to solve all issues with violence or not.
What is an example of biological determinism?
Influence of ANS (autonomic nervous system) in times of stress.
Genetic basis of mental disorders.
Link between hormones and aggressive behaviour
What is an example of environmental determinism?
Phobias are acquired due to operant and classical conditioning and therefore environmentally determined.
What is an example of Psychic determinism?
Psychodynamic approach to explaining offending behaviour states that an inadequate superego can lead to criminal behaviour.
Evaluation: For Determinism
P: A strength is that determinism is consistent with the aims of science. The notion that human behaviour is orderly, and obeys laws is more in line with other established sciences.
E: The value of such research in the prediction and control of human behaviour has led to treatments, therapies and behavioural interventions, for instance, psychotherapeutic drug treatment in controlling and managing schizophrenia.
L: Therefore, at least in terms of mental illness, behaviour would appear to be determined.
Evaluation: For Free Will
P: A strength is that everyday experiences give the impression that we are constantly exercising choice on any given day.
E: Research suggest that people who have an internal locus of control – people who believe they have a high level of control over their lives – tend to be more mentally healthy.
L: This suggests that if we do not have free will, the fact that we think we do may have a positive impact on mind and behaviour.
Evaluation: Against Determinism
P: A limitation is that many psychologists, theorists and legal experts believe that if behaviour is determined by outside forces, that provides a potential excuse for criminal acts.
E: For example, in 1981 Stephen Mobley argued that he was ‘born to kill’ after killing a pizza shop manager because his family had a disposition towards violence and aggressive behaviour. An American court rejected this argument.
L: Therefore, a truly determinist position may be undesirable as it provides an ‘excuse’, allowing people to mitigate their own liability and could lead to troublesome legal issues regarding the nature of responsibility and intent.
