Determinism + Free Will Flashcards
What is Free Will?
Suggests that as humans, we are free to choose our own thoughts and actions.
This does not reject the influence of environmental factors, however we can reject them and choose alternatives.
What approach uses the view of free will?
Humanistic
What is determinism?
The general idea that traits and behaviours are outside our control. An individuals behaviour is shaped/controlled by internal or external forces.
What are the types of determinism?
- Hard
- Biological
- Environmental
- Scientific
- Soft
- Psychic
What is Hard Determinism?
Our lives are governed by forces entirely out of the individual’s control.
What other types of determinism are hard determinism?
Biological and environmental determinism.
What is soft determinism?
Traits and behaviours are determined by external or internal forces but an individual can still exercise some control, e.g. via thought processes.
What is an example of soft determinism?
Eysenck’s theory of offending behaviour. There is a biological basis but the socialisation process could influence whether they should offend or not (element of choice is involved).
What is biological determinism?
Idea that traits and behaviours are governed by internal biological factors such as genes, hormones, brain structure and function.
-A type of hard determinism, e.g. bio explanations of OCD.
What is an example of biological determinism?
Eysenck said biological underpinning to offending behaviour that was then conditioned through the environment showing both biological and psychological determinism.
What is environmental determinism?
The idea that traits and behaviours are governed by external forces such as experiences, upbringing, learning, parents, peers etc.
What is an example of environmental determinism?
Differential Association theory of offending behaviour. Sutherland blamed associations with other criminals/like minded people. Said offending behaviour was learnt through the environment.
What is psychic determinism?
Idea traits and behaviours are governed by unconscious instincts and drives, the cause of behaviour is rooted in childhood experiences.
What is an example of psychic determinism?
Psychodynamic explanations of offending behaviour and role of superego. Through Oedipus/Electra complex a child identifies with a same-sex parent but superego may be weak/harsh/deviant.
Determinism A03
- Supports basic principle of science: Causality/causation - every event has a cause and every effect has an effect.
- A determinist approach could benefit different situations such as the use of treatment. E.g. screenings. Ethically correct?
