Free will vs determinism Flashcards
Free will
The notion we are in control of our own behaviour and are free to choose our own actions
Determinism
Individual is controlled by forces beyond their control
Free will vs determinism
The extent to which our behaviour is determined by forces beyond our control
Biological determinism
Behaviour is a result of biological factors within us e.g brain structure
Environmental determinism
Our behaviour is a result of features of our environment beyond our control e.g differential association
Psychic determinism
Behaviour is a result of unconscious conflict between parts of the self if childhood e.g formation of superegos
Hard determinism
free will is not possible- all behaviour is dictated by forces beyond our control
e.g skinner would say we are stimulus response machines
Soft determinism
Still assumes original cause of behaviour but accepts flexibility for humans to have control over their actions
e.g Bandura allows an influence from motivation as whether someone will do the action.
science and determinism
The aim of science is to set universal laws therefore there is no room for free will
For determinism
has led to treatments of drugs e.g to cure Sz
Sz patients would not choose the disorder so it suggests it is determined
Against determinism
Inconsistant with legal system as legal system is based on free will being the cause of the crime
For free will
People with an internal locus of control are more mentally healthy
Roberts et al found teens with a strong belief in determinism had greater risk for depression
Against free will
Libet asked pps to press button with their left or right had and report then they made the decision. People’s brain showed activity before making the decision.
Implications
Anders Breivik killed 8 people with a bomb then shot 69 teenagers and was declared sane/insane during his trial.
He claimed the killings were necessary so he could not be held resposible.
