Definitions
What does the principle of determinism in psychology say? A scientific principle is based on a number of concepts that scientists operate with.
Determinism in psychology
There are three key methodological principles of psychology: determinism, systematicity and development.
The principles of consistency and development are clear to understand.
Systematicity means the presence of connections between various manifestations of the psyche, and development and types of processes occurring.
The concept of determinism is not so clear. This is the recognition of a direct relationship between phenomena and the factors that give rise to them.
That is, when studying any mental phenomenon, it is necessary to analyze the conditions of its occurrence. Only in this case can we talk about creating a complete picture of the present. Not all scientists agree with this opinion.
Deterministic approach
This is a scientific approach, according to which all occurring processes are not random, but have a specific reason.
Determinism considers causality as a set of circumstances that determines all processes. At the same time, it is recognized that it is impossible to explain all phenomena by causality alone.
Other forms of determinism that are key:
- systemic - individual elements of the system depend on the characteristics of the whole;
- feedback - consequences have a direct impact on the cause that caused them;
- statistical - the same reasons can lead to different consequences, subject to statistical regularities;
- target - the task set determines the result that will be achieved in the process of activity;
- self-determinism is a demonstration of the ability to direct oneself and manage one’s actions in accordance with existing needs.
Determination of behavior
What does the determination of behavior imply? A person’s behavior is determined not only by his individual character traits and the current situation in which he operates, but also by the specifics of the social environment around him.
The immediate environment (family, friends, acquaintances) influence the formation of a system of values and life attitudes.
It is in the process of socialization of a child in the family and in society that he learns moral and ethical standards and comprehends the principles of behavior. His personal qualities are supplemented by information coming from outside.
In addition to the immediate environment (microenvironment), a person is also influenced by society as a whole (macroenvironment). Political, economic, sociocultural and historical processes form social norms, rules of behavior, typical processes and phenomena.
This leads to the development of certain behavioral stereotypes, habitual views and opinions in a particular society.
To become a full-fledged citizen and achieve social well-being, you must comply with these stereotypes and rules.
Cultural determinism holds that all human behavior is explained solely by sociocultural causes . It is the level of a person’s culture that determines his emotional reactions, behavior, etc.
Thus, internally, the “I”, under the influence of life in society, is supplemented and transformed into a “I-image” . The inner “I” is understood as the entire set of individual personality traits - temperament, character, values, ideas about oneself and the world.
But often a person in the process of his social life encounters phenomena that conflict with his inner personality.
In this case, the “I-image” comes first - this is the social behavior that a person demonstrates in order to effectively interact with others .
That is, he says and does exactly what members of his social group expect of him. Even if it goes against his internal position.
Determinism and freedom of behavior are possible only if a person knows how to adapt to the requirements of the environment and accept all existing rules without internal discomfort.
Determinants of mental development
Studying the problem of an individual’s mental development involves analyzing three main factors:
- Biological . This is a key factor influencing the course of mental processes in any individual. It is the properties inherent in nature that become the foundation for the further development of the psyche. The influence of the biological factor is manifested in the following aspects: heredity, congenital characteristics, level of maturation of the nervous system. Heredity refers to a set of qualities that are passed on to a child from his parents. Congenital characteristics are characteristics inherent in a particular organism depending on the course of intrauterine development and the process of childbirth. The development of the nervous system depends on the growth and formation of connections between nerve cells.
- Social. A set of external conditions that surround an individual in his social environment. Under the influence of these conditions, a process of socialization occurs, which is of great importance.
It is as a result of socialization that all key skills develop, among which speech development is of paramount importance.In parallel with socialization, individualization also develops - the separation of oneself from society, the awareness of one’s own exclusivity.
- Personal activity. As a result of the full mental development of an individual, the ability to carry out purposeful activities is formed. This activity is manifested in building communications with other members of society, joining social groups, obtaining education, mastering professional skills, etc. As a person grows up, his mental development constantly reaches new levels. As consciousness becomes more complex, activity becomes enriched. Positive activity allows you to socialize in society: take a certain position, build personal relationships, create a circle of friends, etc.
Determinist - who is it?
Determinists are adherents of the corresponding doctrine.
Proponents of this scientific approach talk about the lack of freedom of choice in humans.
All our actions are determined by motives that underlie the causality of phenomena .
These motives can be determined by external circumstances or internal characteristics of a particular individual.
Any action of a person depends not on his specific choice, but on what motive predominantly influences him at the current moment in time.
As a rule, determinists in practical life are not guided by their theory in its pure form. In modern social conditions, it is not possible to function fully, showing complete apathy and lack of initiative.
But people successfully apply the principles of the approach when the need arises to justify their own behavior. In this case, negative actions are explained by the influence of the environment, biological characteristics of the psyche, negative influence of the environment, etc.
What is the essence of the principle of determinism?
- To more fully understand what is happening to us and around us, scientists use several criteria, considering the correspondence of what is happening, complementarity, and, among other things, determinism . In essence, it is a teaching that confirms that there are no coincidences in our lives.
Description
- Scientists deduce these confirmations based on the behavioral characteristics of all living things. Determinism not only studies for what reasons and in accordance with what factors our thinking is formed, but also proves that these factors influence us collectively. Under their influence, our behavior changes and mental characteristics develop.
Theory - briefly
The basis of the psychological approach lies in the philosophical theory according to which there is a universal relationship and interdependence between the phenomena of the surrounding reality.
The first aspects of determinism were formulated by the ancient Greek atomistic materialists.
The principle was then considered by representatives of the classical school of philosophy.
In the 17th century, the presence of causality in all phenomena in society was determined. With the development of science comes the understanding that any event or phenomenon is a pattern of some causes .
Currently, the theory is actively used to explain the development and functioning of various phenomena.
In the social sciences, the approach allows one to analyze the patterns of social development, the degree of influence of social norms and principles on human behavior.
In special sciences, the principle is used to designate constant connections in various processes, mechanisms, equations, etc. That is, processes or mechanisms that can be described and predicted in a strictly unambiguous manner are deterministic.
The presence of the aspect of probability, variability, instability indicates the action of the opposite principle - indeterminism (the absence of patterns and dependencies in nature, in society).
Forms and representatives of determinism - Laplace determinism
- Today you can find interpretations of determinism related to ancient, Laplacean, natural science and modern (also called synergetic) forms.
- Ancient interpretations rested on causality and necessity . These teachings were also developed by Leucippus, in addition to Democritus.
- Laplace determinism (this is already an established name) today often underlies the exact sciences of physics or mathematics, as well as philosophical teachings. Laplace's theory speaks about the impact of causes and external factors initially, during the development process, shaping and determining it, as well as on the consequences.
Representative
- A representative of mechanistic determinism , which equates the living with the automatic, was Thomas Hobbes. He was opposed by the teaching of Rene Descartes, who separated spirit and matter. The theory of Benedict Spinoza stands out in particular, who considered the original cause, and causality, the main connecting link between everything that exists and happens in the world.
- Modern determinism has absorbed all previous teachings, generalizing them. Today he talks about the special role of such a category as interconnection and interaction, since absolutely everything changes - from material to psychological components.
Principle
The problem of determinism occupies an important place in psychological science, since it directly affects issues of will, freedom of choice, and responsibility for one’s destiny.
Self-determination is the ability of a person to choose and have his own opinion. It is this skill that distinguishes people from other living beings.
The complexity and paradox of the issue often leads many scientists to move towards indeterminism.
Among Russian and foreign scientists, however, there are representatives of a strictly deterministic approach who substantiate the relevance of this teaching.
Authors
Outstanding psychologist and philosopher S.L. Rubinstein developed an activity approach in psychology, based on a general philosophical principle: external causes have an impact through internal conditions.
Thus, according to the scientist, an individual’s brain activity develops under the influence of external environmental conditions. As a result of a person’s relationship with the outside world, the nervous system is formed.
L.S. Vygotsky argued that there is a certainty of mental processes based on causality. Nothing can happen randomly, without any reason. Thus, the manifestation of human will is based on the principles of regularity and necessity.
According to K. Höfer , any event arises on the basis of previous phenomena and conditions, the laws of nature.
Determinism manifests itself not only in our understanding of science and objective phenomena, but also in the formation of ideas about life: freedom of choice, manifestation of will.
