Ever wondered if you're truly making your own choices or... Show more
Sociology
PsychologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
1 / 4
The Core Debate: Choice vs Control
Think about the last decision you made - choosing what to eat, which TV show to watch, or even reading these notes. Was that really your choice? Free will suggests you genuinely made that decision, whilst determinism argues that internal or external forces actually controlled your behaviour.
Hard determinism (also called fatalism) takes the extreme view that absolutely everything has a cause we can identify. Your "choices" are just illusions - you think you're deciding, but really biological, environmental, or psychological forces are pulling the strings.
Soft determinism offers a middle ground that's more realistic. It accepts that behaviour is predictable and has causes, but leaves room for some personal choice. This approach acknowledges that whilst influences shape our decisions, we're not completely powerless.
Quick Tip: Think of soft determinism like driving a car - the road conditions and traffic influence your journey, but you still choose which route to take.
Types of Deterministic Forces
Different psychological approaches explain behaviour through various deterministic forces. Biological determinism suggests your genetics, hormones, and evolutionary history control your actions - think of studies on OCD showing genetic links that patients can't control.
Environmental determinism focuses on external factors like reward and punishment systems. The behaviourist approach demonstrates how your environment shapes behaviour through conditioning, often without your conscious awareness.
Psychic determinism claims unconscious conflicts and repressed memories drive behaviour. The psychodynamic approach shows how childhood experiences and unconscious desires influence adult actions, even when you're unaware of these forces.
In scientific research, causality is crucial - every event has a cause, and every cause has an effect. When researchers manipulate independent variables and observe changes in dependent variables, they're demonstrating deterministic relationships.
Remember: Each psychological approach offers evidence for different types of determinism, making the debate more complex than simple choice vs no choice.
Research Evidence and Real-World Implications
Roberts et al. (2000) found something quite concerning: adolescents who believed in fatalism (thinking their lives were predetermined) were more likely to develop depression. This suggests that believing everything's determined can actually harm mental health.
Soon et al. (2008) provided fascinating evidence against free will using brain scans. Participants chose between buttons corresponding to letters on screen, but brain activity in the frontopolar and parietal cortex showed decisions were made up to 10 seconds before people became consciously aware of choosing. Your brain had already "decided" before "you" knew about it!
The deterministic view helps explain mental disorders effectively - after all, nobody chooses to have schizophrenia or anxiety. If we understand causes, we can develop better treatments and establish general laws to predict and control behaviour.
However, this raises serious questions about criminal responsibility. If violent behaviour has deterministic causes, should we punish criminals for actions they didn't truly choose? This challenge could fundamentally disrupt our entire legal system.
Think About It: If your brain makes decisions before you're aware of them, what does this mean for personal responsibility in your daily life?
Evaluating the Evidence
The determinism vs free will debate reveals several important strengths and limitations. Research shows that fatalistic thinking can be genuinely harmful - when people believe they can't change anything, treatments become less effective and depression increases. This suggests some belief in personal control might be psychologically beneficial.
Deterministic explanations excel when dealing with mental health issues. Patients benefit from understanding that conditions like depression or OCD have identifiable causes rather than being personal failings. This removes stigma and focuses treatment on addressing root causes rather than blaming individuals.
The Soon et al. study provides compelling evidence that our sense of free choice might be an illusion. Brain activity preceding conscious awareness suggests psychic determinism - unconscious processes making decisions before we're aware of having choices.
The legal implications remain problematic though. If all behaviour is determined, the justice system faces impossible questions about punishment and responsibility. Criminals could theoretically claim they had no choice in their actions, making prosecution extremely difficult and potentially undermining social order.
Key Point: The debate isn't just academic - it has real consequences for mental health treatment, legal systems, and how we understand human responsibility.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Free Will Vs Determinism
Most popular content in Psychology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Determinism and Free Will
Ever wondered if you're truly making your own choices or if everything's already predetermined? The debate between determinism and free will explores whether human behaviour is controlled by forces beyond our control or if we genuinely have the power to... Show more
The Core Debate: Choice vs Control
Think about the last decision you made - choosing what to eat, which TV show to watch, or even reading these notes. Was that really your choice? Free will suggests you genuinely made that decision, whilst determinism argues that internal or external forces actually controlled your behaviour.
Hard determinism (also called fatalism) takes the extreme view that absolutely everything has a cause we can identify. Your "choices" are just illusions - you think you're deciding, but really biological, environmental, or psychological forces are pulling the strings.
Soft determinism offers a middle ground that's more realistic. It accepts that behaviour is predictable and has causes, but leaves room for some personal choice. This approach acknowledges that whilst influences shape our decisions, we're not completely powerless.
Quick Tip: Think of soft determinism like driving a car - the road conditions and traffic influence your journey, but you still choose which route to take.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Types of Deterministic Forces
Different psychological approaches explain behaviour through various deterministic forces. Biological determinism suggests your genetics, hormones, and evolutionary history control your actions - think of studies on OCD showing genetic links that patients can't control.
Environmental determinism focuses on external factors like reward and punishment systems. The behaviourist approach demonstrates how your environment shapes behaviour through conditioning, often without your conscious awareness.
Psychic determinism claims unconscious conflicts and repressed memories drive behaviour. The psychodynamic approach shows how childhood experiences and unconscious desires influence adult actions, even when you're unaware of these forces.
In scientific research, causality is crucial - every event has a cause, and every cause has an effect. When researchers manipulate independent variables and observe changes in dependent variables, they're demonstrating deterministic relationships.
Remember: Each psychological approach offers evidence for different types of determinism, making the debate more complex than simple choice vs no choice.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Research Evidence and Real-World Implications
Roberts et al. (2000) found something quite concerning: adolescents who believed in fatalism (thinking their lives were predetermined) were more likely to develop depression. This suggests that believing everything's determined can actually harm mental health.
Soon et al. (2008) provided fascinating evidence against free will using brain scans. Participants chose between buttons corresponding to letters on screen, but brain activity in the frontopolar and parietal cortex showed decisions were made up to 10 seconds before people became consciously aware of choosing. Your brain had already "decided" before "you" knew about it!
The deterministic view helps explain mental disorders effectively - after all, nobody chooses to have schizophrenia or anxiety. If we understand causes, we can develop better treatments and establish general laws to predict and control behaviour.
However, this raises serious questions about criminal responsibility. If violent behaviour has deterministic causes, should we punish criminals for actions they didn't truly choose? This challenge could fundamentally disrupt our entire legal system.
Think About It: If your brain makes decisions before you're aware of them, what does this mean for personal responsibility in your daily life?
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Evaluating the Evidence
The determinism vs free will debate reveals several important strengths and limitations. Research shows that fatalistic thinking can be genuinely harmful - when people believe they can't change anything, treatments become less effective and depression increases. This suggests some belief in personal control might be psychologically beneficial.
Deterministic explanations excel when dealing with mental health issues. Patients benefit from understanding that conditions like depression or OCD have identifiable causes rather than being personal failings. This removes stigma and focuses treatment on addressing root causes rather than blaming individuals.
The Soon et al. study provides compelling evidence that our sense of free choice might be an illusion. Brain activity preceding conscious awareness suggests psychic determinism - unconscious processes making decisions before we're aware of having choices.
The legal implications remain problematic though. If all behaviour is determined, the justice system faces impossible questions about punishment and responsibility. Criminals could theoretically claim they had no choice in their actions, making prosecution extremely difficult and potentially undermining social order.
Key Point: The debate isn't just academic - it has real consequences for mental health treatment, legal systems, and how we understand human responsibility.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
11
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Free Will Vs Determinism
Most popular content in Psychology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user