Issues and debates - free will and determinism Flashcards
(10 cards)
What does free will state
Full choice over our actions with no influence from internal or external factors
What does determinism state
Behaviours are caused by something which we have no/limited control over
What are the 5 forms of determinism
Biological
Environmental
Psychic
Soft
Hard
What is biological determinism
Behaviour is a result of 3 internal processes:
1. Genetics
2. Brain physiology
3. Biochemistry
What is environmental determinism
Behaviour is a result of our physical environment, e.g Zimbardo, social influence
What is psychic determinism
Behaviour is caused by our unconscious mind. Freud - suggested behaviour has a cause within the mind which we cannot access. Links with psychodynamic approach
What is soft determinism
Behaviour is generally pre determined by external factors but there is a perception of control and free will in some situations
What is hard determinism
Behaviour is completely determined by external factors with no presence of free will
What is meant by casual explanations
Psychology’s tendency to observe one variable affecting another
What is meant by an interactionist approach to free will vs determinism
Compromise between the two, shown by e.g cognitive explanation for phobias (faulty thinking - determinism), therapies (encouraged to use free will)
