Freewill And Determinism Debate Flashcards
What is the freewill and determinism debate?
The debate considers whether behaviour is caused by the will of the individual or caused by forces (internal or external) over which the person has no control.
What is free will?
Free will is the idea that we are self-determining and suggests human beings are free to choose their thoughts and actions - so behaviour is under the control of the individual rather than biological or external forces.
Free will does not deny there are biological and environmental influences on our behaviour - but freewill implied we can reject them.
Which psychological perspective is based on the idea that humans have free will?
The Humanistic approach/ Humanism
What is determinism?
Determinism proposes that freewill has no place in explaining behaviour. It proposes that all human thought and behaviour is controlled by forces outside of the individual’s control. These forces may be internal - biological/psychic or external - environment
