To what extent can I determine my own destiny Essays

‘To what extent can I determine my own destiny?’ Discuss in the light of theories, ideas and research encountered in the course. Do I act as I do through choice or are my actions influenced by factors beyond our control? This uncertainty has concerned psychologists for decades, consequently giving rise to the Autonomy versus Determinism debate. By definition, autonomy is the belief that we are free to make decisions and thus control all of our actions, however determinism contradicts this view by suggesting that all of our actions are entirely determined by the external and internal forces operating on them. Nowadays It is now commonly documented by most psychologists that it is a combination of both autonomy and determinism that†¦show more content†¦(Stevens3 1996:169) The Langer and Rodin study (1976) (Lalljee 1996:121) based in an American nursing home shows the difference between two groups of elderly residents, those that were given the chance to be autonomous were found that being in control made a critical difference to their well-being and longevity. However the residents that believed their w ell-being was reliant on the nursing staff were found to be less happy and their mortality rate was higher. This highlights the fact that to have a happy life no matter what age we need to be autonomous. Those in favour of determinism believe that behaviour is the product of internal or external forces over which we have no control. As a result, human behaviour is arranged and therefore determined. This idea is similar to that of scientific methods e.g. experiments. In an experiment we have the ability to manipulate the variables, according to determinism all behaviour is causal, by this we sense that the determinist feels we have the opportunity of controlling all human behaviour. Supporting the determinist view is the biological approach, according to biological social psychologists our behaviour is solely determined by our biological systems, they argue that we are genetically determined. Cox and Klinger 1988 (Toates 1996:55)Show MoreRelatedIdealism: Personal Philosophy Essay examples1039 Words   |  5 PagesMy Personal Philosophy There are many philosophies and beliefs that can be acknowledged and discussed in this world. Some made up and some that are supported by straight on evidence. Some most would disagree with and others most would agree with. One thing I strongly believe is that there is no right or wrong belief or philosophy, as long as you have reason to what you are speaking of. You believe what you want to believe. Everyone thinks differently. The main three topics I will share my beliefsRead More Ambition Determines the Fate of Characters in Shakespeares MacBeth766 Words   |  4 PagesAmbition Determines the Fate of Characters in Shakespeares MacBeth What a person craves for herself often determines her fate. The ambition of three characters in the play MacBeth was a key factor in the outcome of their fate, MacBeths ambition for the throne of Scotland, Lady Macbeths ambition for her husband to have power, and Banquos lack of ambition for himself. These intentions all determined the fate of these characters, as well as the outcome of the play. Being named Thane ofRead MoreCultural Context in How Many Miles to Babylon, Sive and 32a1673 Words   |  7 Pagesof a text can determine the characters and events of the text greatly. Discuss in relation to at least two texts you have studied in your comparative studies course. 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To determine whether fate or free will controls human lives, it is important to objectivelyRead MoreWhat And How Does It Affect Your Managerial Effectiveness?1541 Words   |  7 Pagesnegatively depending on the result. To excel with the people, I work within my MBA eventually at my workplace and life , I must work on certain aspects of my personality which are the Loci of Controls, tolerance of ambiguity and Stress, among other short and mid-term remedies to help me succeed eventually. Contents Executive Summary: ii Introduction 1 What is Locus of Control? 1 What and How does it affect? 2 How does contributes it to my managerial effectiveness? 3 How does it affect me? 4 Learning(s)Read MorePurtianism Struggles as a Religion Essay example725 Words   |  3 Pagesheaven and that his grace could not be earned. They believed that a select few were chosen at birth to go to Heaven. These select few could live their lives however they contented, yet still being allowed to go to Heaven. God would determine each individuals destiny and no man could influence or change his providence. Man will either receive redemption or condemnation, regardless of how good or bad the individual lived their life. This religion could easily be compared to the failures ofRead More Two Conceptions of Freedom or Two Appearances of a single Conception?565 Words   |  3 Pagesmake them accountable to the people, whose freedom, immunity from coercion depends on. Positive liberty, on the other hand, is, not freedom from coercion, but freedom to determine ones own destiny: it is self-determination. In this sense positive liberty is a necessary condition of human being, right to choose, right to determine ones behavior. Berlin maintains that the negative and positive concepts of liberty are quot;at no great logical distance from each other,quot; but in reality they areRead MoreHuman Nature Is Good Or Bad?909 Words   |  4 Pagesgood or bad? If we are taught what to be. 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Quotes: P48 l. 1014-1015 â€Å"The gods/ And my evil-hearted plots have led to this.† P39 l. 717 â€Å"What good luck chance has brought you.† P61 l. 1416-1419 â€Å"Many matters the gods bring to surprising ends./ The things we thought wouldRead MoreMacbeth834 Words   |  4 PagesThemes in Macbeth This resource is designed as a reference guide for teachers. We have listed the major themes and motifs within Macbeth and provided examples of scenes where you can study them. Themes †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Ambition Kingship Fate and free will Appearance and reality Motifs (Recurring elements and patterns of imagery in Macbeth which support the play s themes) †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Nature / The natural world Light and darkness Children Blood Sleep Visions Registered charity no. 212481