free will versus determinism put together

• Determinism is the idea that free will is an illusion and that our behaviour is governed by internal and external forces over which we have no control; consequently, our behaviour is viewed as predictable. Hard determinism is the view that forces outside of our control have complete authority over behaviour, however soft determinism opposes this view and suggests that we are constrained by these forces, but only to an extent as there is an element of free will in behaviour
• Biological determinism claims we are entirely determined by genetic factors; for example, research has shown that first degree relatives of schizophrenics have a more likely chance of developing the disorder too. Psychic determinism claims that behaviour is a result of childhood experiences and innate drives; for example, Freud’s model of psychological development suggests that gender differences are acquired during the phallic stage of development. 
• Environmental determinism claims that behaviour is caused by experience learned through classical and operant conditioning; for example, phobias learnt through classical conditioning.
• Free will is the idea that we can have an active role are free to choose how we behave. It assumes that we are self-determined.
• A strength of determinism is that it is consistent with the principles of science, allowing for objective measurement and the establishment of causal relationships.

  For example, research in biological psychology has identified genetic and neurochemical determinants of behaviour, such as the role of serotonin in depression. This has led to the development of effective treatments like SSRIs.
•  This scientific approach enhances the credibility of psychology as a discipline, as it can predict and control behaviour in a way that is replicable and empirically tested.

   Thus, determinism provides a reliable and valid basis for understanding human behaviour, supporting the use of deterministic principles in psychological research.
•  However A limitation of a deterministic point of view is that it would provide a potential excuse for criminal acts.

   In 19981, Stephen Mobley argues he was ‘born to kill’ as his family had a disposition towards violence and aggression. Hard determinism would support Mobley’s claim proving it undesirable as it allows people to mitigate their own responsibility. 

  Therefore, soft determinism is a more reasonable approach in explaining behaviours as it considers the idea that people have free will
• A strength of the concept of free will has significant practical applications, particularly in mental health interventions. For instance, therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) emphasise personal responsibility and the ability to change maladaptive thought patterns. This aligns with the idea of free will, empowering individuals to make conscious choices to improve their mental health.
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  However,  Free will is criticised for its lack of empirical support and reliance on subjective experience. While individuals often perceive their actions as freely chosen, this may be an illusion. Libet’s research into neural activity preceding conscious decision-making suggests that our choices are initiated by unconscious processes before we become aware of them. Such findings undermine the notion of free will, as decisions appear to be pre-determined by brain activity.
• free will

  Each individual has the power to make choices about their behaviour, without being determined by internal or external forces beyond their control. A common feature of the humanistic approach.
• determinsm

  The belief that behaviour is controlled by external or internal factors acting upon the individual and beyond their control.
• biological determinism

  The view that behaviour is always caused by internal biological forces beyond our control, such as the influence of genes.
• environmental determinism

  — The belief that behaviour is caused by previous experience through classical and operant conditioning.
• psychic determinsim

  Freud’s theory of personality suggests that adult behaviour is determined by a mix of innate drives and early experience. These result in unconscious conflicts over which we have no control.
• hard determinism

  — The view that all behaviour can be predicted, according to the action of internal and external forces beyond our control, and so there can be no free will.
• soft determinism

  — A version of determinism that allows for some element of free will and suggests that all events, including human behaviour, has a cause.