2.2: Free will and determinism

Question 1

Extract from a newspaper article:
Coping with Life’s Pressures.
Depression often runs in families, but many depressed people have serious social problems or have experienced traumatic events in the past. However,
many people find ways to cope. What we need is the will to overcome our problems.
With reference to the item above, explain what is meant by ‘determinism.’
Refer to three types of determinism in your answer (6 marks)

Answer 1

Content and application:
 determinism – understanding that behaviour is controlled and we do not exercise free will
over our own behaviour
 biological determinism – behaviour is controlled by aspects of biology eg genes,
chemicals etc – depression ‘runs in families’ implies biological determinism
 environmental determinism – behaviour is controlled by external influences eg parents,
society etc – ‘serious social problems’ implies environmental determinism
 psychic determinism – behaviour is controlled by unconscious fears, desires etc –
‘experienced traumatic events in the past’ implies psychic determinism