Free Will

• The idea that humans can make choices (eg, our thoughts and actions) and are not determined by biological or external factors

  Therefore, we are self determining
• Examples

  Humanistic approach

  Maslow and Rogers
• Strength - People who believe they have high influence on event and their own behaviour are generally happier

  On the flip side, those who believe they don't have any free will are more likely to be depressed

  Even if free will exists or not, it is helpful to believe in it because it has a positive impact on mental health
• Weakness - Liberty (1985) found that brain activity that determines the outcome of simple choices may predate our knowledge of having made that choice

  The brain area lights up on the corresponding side up to 10 seconds before patients make a choice on whether to press a button with the left or right hand

  This evidence suggests that activity and behavioural choices are determined genetically by the brain (some researchers have argued this activity is just to prepare the body for movement, not before a decision is made)
• Weakness - Free will is culturally relative ion that it is only appropriate for individualist cultures

  Collectivist cultures place greater value on behaviour determined by group needs
• Weakness - Skinner suggested that a person might 'choose' to 'buy a car' or 'see a film' but these choices are determined by previous reinforcement experiences

  It could also be argued you are choosing from a set of options