Question

Question:

How does this conflict with what a behaviorist might say? Provide an example that supports each side.What does the humanistic/existential approach say about free will?

Reading:

1. Chapter 9 in Friedman & Schustack's Personality: Classical theories and modern research;

Chapters 26-29 in Friedman & Schustack's Readings in personality: Classical theories and modern research

Answer 1

• According to Henriques (2003), 'free will' refers to the ability to voluntarily choose or decide at an individual's discretion, where the person is not constrained by external circumstances.
• According to the behaviorist, individuals do not have 'free will' for their environment determines their behavior, and all behavior is learned from the environment. Thinking, feeling, and acting are all regarded and understood as behaviors. As such, determining a relationship of cause and effect between stimuli is thought to determine and often predict the outcome of human behavior.
• In particular, the behaviorist theory concentrates upon the elements of observation and repeatable and predictable behaviors; which disproves the notion of free will amongst individuals. Elements of behaviorism which do not take free will into account within the psychological profession can be found when conducting a functional behavioral analysis, taking data and writing progress reports, and developing treatment plans which target replacement behaviors.
• For example, in psychological practice a clinician must understand, be aware of, and follow the behaviors in which the client displays and withholds, including events that happen prior to a behavior or absence of a behavior (antecedent), in a variety of settings in order to gain an understanding if the functioning of their behavior and what is maintaining that behavior (consequence). Behaviorism however, does not explain some choices individuals make for which there is no reinforcement and does not account for all kinds of learning, thereby supporting the possibility of existing free will.
• On the other hand, Humanistic/Existential psychology stresses the importance that individuals possess 'free will' to choose their own paths in life and make decisions.Personal agency is the humanistic term for the exercise of free will. Personal agency refers to the choices we make in life, the paths we go down and their consequences.
• The Humanistic/Existential perspective is based on a quality versus quantity view of life. Seeking a reason for being and a meaning to life to become self-actualizing are the hallmarks of this perspective. Humanistic thought is more uplifting and spiritual, while the existentialists can seem bleak at times. Yet, both emphasize that the client owns his existence, and within the constraints of his situation the client can choose through exercising her or his free will to make the most of it or just subsist.
• The humanistic/existential approach does not ignore that individuals have responses to drives, rewards, and punishments; however, it extends motivation to positive actualized fulfillment. Self-determinism represents decisions independent of external constraint but in accordance with the inner motives and goals of the person.