determinism

• P: a problem with both genetic and environmental determinism is that neither can be the sole determining factor in behaviour

  E: studies that compare identical twins find about 80% similarity intelligence or about 40% for depression. if one twin has a high IQ, there is only an 80% chance that the other twin will be the same. therefore genes do not entirely determine behaviour.

  L: this means that an interactionist rather than a determinist approach better represents reality
• P: there have been attempts, in criminal cases in the US, for murderers to claim that their behaviour was determined by inherited aggressive tendencies and therefore they should not be punished with the death penalty

  E: Mobley, who killed a pizza shop manager, claimed this happened because he was 'born to kill' as evidenced by a family history of violence. the argument was rejected, and mobley was sentenced to death.
• link for mobley

  L: in practice, therefore, a determinist position may be undesirable because it would allow individuals to 'excuse' their behaviour and also restrict options for the treatment of mental disorders