Influences on Free Will & Determinism Psychology, Social Conditioning, Genetics, Environment

Psychology – Ivan Pavlov What was the purpose of his experiment? What does this tell us about determinism?

B F Skinner (1904 – 1990) Believed that this approach wasn’t the only one that was able to determine us. He saw behaviour that could be modified using punishment and reward. The implication of this is if our behaviour is determined by our psychological make-up, then we cannot be held morally responsible for actions if we could not have chosen to act any other way

Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939) Our early years have an immense impact on our actions in the future. In a similar way to behaviourism, his theories suggest that prior cause determine our moral development and therefore our actions in the future. His main theory in this area was that all actions, moral and non-moral are caused by repressed or subconscious memories or feelings that stem back to our childhood. These are what determines our actions

Social Conditioning Thomas Sowell (1930 says that social conditioning is ‘the idea that the human self is infinitely plastic, allowing humanity to be changed and ultimately, perfected.’ He suggests that our social learning and placement is what determines our actions and we can do nothing else except follow the sociologically determined path. Watching violent films creates a culture of violence. Discuss

Genetics Genetic determinism claims that almost all physical and behavioural aspects of humanity are determined by genetics. Some biologists would say that other influences may play a part, such as upbringing (nature), however for most it is difficult to escape the fact that genes control so much of what we are and what we do. If it is true that genes can determine our actions, then once again is it possible to be morally responsible if we are only acting according to our genes? If we accept genetic determinism, would it not be possible with the assistance of scientific tests to know who would be the people who would murder or rape? Could we not stop them reproducing?

Environmental Environmental determinism suggests that geography and climate influence individuals much more than social conditions do/ it suggests that historically our climate contributes to our actions and it affects the behaviour of society. For example tropical climates supposedly cause laziness

Conclusion If we accept all the issues we have covered today, is there any way that we can remain convinced that we have any freedom over our lives? And an essay: Critically assess the claim that people are free to make moral decisions (35)

You could include….. AO1 Candidates could discuss what is meant by moral freedom, libertarianism and hard determinism. They may discuss whether people are ever really free to make moral decisions. They may compare these opposing views to compatibilism or soft determinism. Some candidates may also consider theological determinism and contrast this to religious teachings on free will. Responses may include the role of conscience in making moral decisions, whether free will is an illusion or whether psychological, genetic or social factors limit our freedom to make moral decisions (e.g Darrow). AO2 Candidates should consider the implications for ethics if our moral decisions are not free, and whether we are morally responsible or accountable for our ethical decisions and actions. They might consider whether we are really free or just think we are (e.g Locke) and that our freedom is just apparent. They may introduce the Kant’s argument that to be moral we must be free. They may assess the implications of Sartre’s ideas, for example that it is only in acting freely that gives authentic meaning to our lives.