Humanistic and Bahaviourist Approach To Free Will and Determinism

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Humanistic and Bahaviourist Approach To Free Will and Determinism

In psychology the idea that all human behaviour is caused by influences beyond our control is suggested by many theorists, determinists believe that there are causes for every event that takes place, and that if we know enough about a person we could explain all their actions and predict what they would do in the future. However those who disagree with this view point believe to some extent we have 'free will' and we can choose our actions ( Baker, M 2003 Introd psych:themes & persp Page 101). This essay shall address free will and determinism from a behaviourist and humanistic approach. Both approaches shall be discussed in relation to free will and determinism, relevant theories shall be identified and the theorists research shall be critically discussed.

The issue of free will versus determinism has occupied philosophers and psychologists for centuries. It is one of the oldest philosophical debates in the study of human behavior and it can be seen in almost all areas of psychology. One of the fundamental issues here is the extent to which human beings have control over their behavior. Therefore the definitions of both