Issues and Debates - Free Will and Determinism Flashcards
What is free will?
The notion that humans can make choices and are not determined by biological or external forces.
What is determinism?
The view that an individual’s behavior is shaped or controlled by internal or external forces rather than an individual’s will to do something.
What is hard determinism?
Hard determinism implies that free will is not possible as our behavior is always caused by internal or external events beyond our control.
What is soft determinism?
Soft determinism suggests that behavior may have causes, but we can exercise conscious mental control over the way we behave.
What is biological determinism?
Biological determinism emphasizes the role of biological influences on behavior, such as the influence of the autonomic nervous system, genetics (e.g., testosterone and aggressive behavior), and neurological processes.
What is environmental determinism?
Environmental determinism is the belief that behavior is caused by features of the environment such as systems of reward and punishment.
What is psychic determinism?
Psychic determinism is the belief that behavior is caused by unconscious conflicts, repressed in childhood, as proposed by Freud.
What is the scientific emphasis on causal explanations?
Science seeks causal explanations, assuming that every event has a cause. Causes can be explained through general laws, which allow scientists to predict and control future events.
What is one evaluation point?
Point: Determinism is consistent with the aims of science and benefits practical applications.
Evidence: For example, understanding biological determinism has led to the development of treatments for mental disorders such as schizophrenia, where individuals lose control over their behavior.
Explanation: These developments reinforce the validity of determinism, as it provides predictive power and practical solutions.
Link: This aligns with the scientific emphasis on causal explanations, which underpin psychology’s role in treating mental illness.
What is one evaluation point?
Point: Determinism is unfalsifiable, meaning it cannot be tested and may lack scientific rigor.
Evidence: It assumes all behavior has a cause, even if causes are not yet found. This makes it impossible to prove wrong and reduces its credibility.
Explanation: Despite this, determinism as an approach is practical, though it may oversimplify the complexity of human behavior.
Link: This highlights the need for a balance between determinism and free will in psychological theories.
What is one evaluation point?
Point: Free will supports personal responsibility, which has positive implications for mental health.
Evidence: For example, Roberts et al. (2000) found adolescents with a strong belief in free will were less likely to develop depression.
Explanation: This demonstrates that belief in free will may empower individuals to take control of their lives, improving mental well-being.
Link: Such findings align with the humanistic approach, which emphasizes individual autonomy and self-determination.
What is one evaluation point?
Point: Neurological evidence challenges the existence of free will.
Evidence: Studies by Libet (1985) and Chun Siong Soon et al. (2008) showed brain activity related to decision-making occurs before a person is consciously aware of their choice.
Explanation: This suggests decisions are determined by brain processes rather than conscious intent, undermining the concept of free will.
Link: These findings support the deterministic view that behavior is influenced by biological processes, questioning the validity of free will.
