Positions on the Concept of Choice in American Psychology

Abstract

All schools of psychology agree that man is capable of change but there is debate in American psychology as to whether that change takes place because of hereditary and environmental stimuli or because of personal volition. Behaviouristic and Freudian psychology view man as reactive whereas third force psychology and Christianity view man as active. Two arguments, used by both Humanists and Christians, which attempt to refute determinism are set forward. However, divergence of these positions, which manifests itself on the issue of meaning, occurs because of the further question of why man has the capacity to choose.