Free will and Determinism

• What does the debate between free will and determinism concern?

  Human behaviour's cause: choice or external forces
• How does determinism explain human behaviour?

  Behaviour is shaped by biological and environmental factors
• What does biological determinism suggest?

  Behaviour is controlled by genetic and neurochemical influences
• Which genes are linked to disorders like OCD?

  COMT and SERT genes
• How are neurotransmitter imbalances related to mental health?

  Low serotonin levels are linked to depression
• What does environmental determinism state?

  Behaviour is shaped by external influences
• What did Skinner argue about free will?

  Free will is an illusion; actions result from reinforcement
• What does psychic determinism propose?

  Behaviour is directed by unconscious forces and childhood experiences
• What is a major issue with determinism?

  It undermines moral responsibility for actions
• How could biological determinism be used in legal contexts?

  As a defence for criminal behaviour based on genetics
• What does free will suggest about individuals?

  They have control over their actions and decisions
• What do humanistic psychologists argue about free will?

  It is essential for self-determination and personal growth
• What did Roberts et al. find about locus of control and depression?

  Internal locus of control reduces depression risk
• What criticism does free will face regarding mental disorders?

  It doesn't explain disorders with biological causes
• What is soft determinism?

  Behaviour is influenced by deterministic factors with some choice
• How does the diathesis-stress model relate to determinism and free will?

  It shows interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental stressors
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of determinism and free will in explaining human behaviour?

  Strengths of determinism:

  • Provides scientific explanations for behaviour
  • Links behaviour to biological and environmental factors

  
  

  Weaknesses of determinism:

  • Undermines moral responsibility
  • Raises ethical concerns in legal contexts

  
  

  Strengths of free will:

  • Supports personal responsibility
  • Important for mental well-being

  
  

  Weaknesses of free will:

  • Struggles to explain mental disorders
  • Lacks empirical support in some cases
• What is the conclusion regarding free will and determinism?

  • Determinism offers strong scientific explanations
  • Raises ethical concerns and ignores subjective choice
  • Free will is crucial for responsibility and well-being
  • Soft determinism may be the best explanation