Functional Freedom: A Psychological Model of Freedom in Decision-Making
The freedom of a decision is not yet sufficiently described as a psychological variable. We present a model of functional decision freedom that aims to fill that role. The model conceptualizes functional freedom as a capacity of people that varies depending on certain conditions of a decision episod...
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doaj-4dc630d83aec4b5f8ee32fcc38d8e5ea2020-11-24T22:37:35ZengMDPI AGBehavioral Sciences2076-328X2017-07-01734110.3390/bs7030041bs7030041Functional Freedom: A Psychological Model of Freedom in Decision-MakingStephan Lau0Anette Hiemisch1Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USADepartment of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Franz-Mehring-Straße 47, Greifswald D-17487, GermanyThe freedom of a decision is not yet sufficiently described as a psychological variable. We present a model of functional decision freedom that aims to fill that role. The model conceptualizes functional freedom as a capacity of people that varies depending on certain conditions of a decision episode. It denotes an inner capability to consciously shape complex decisions according to one’s own values and needs. Functional freedom depends on three compensatory dimensions: it is greatest when the decision-maker is highly rational, when the structure of the decision is highly underdetermined, and when the decision process is strongly based on conscious thought and reflection. We outline possible research questions, argue for psychological benefits of functional decision freedom, and explicate the model’s implications on current knowledge and research. In conclusion, we show that functional freedom is a scientific variable, permitting an additional psychological foothold in research on freedom, and that is compatible with a deterministic worldview.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/7/3/41free willfreedomdecision-makingunderdeterminationvolitionconsciousness |
collection |
DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Stephan Lau Anette Hiemisch |
spellingShingle |
Stephan Lau Anette Hiemisch Functional Freedom: A Psychological Model of Freedom in Decision-Making Behavioral Sciences free will freedom decision-making underdetermination volition consciousness |
author_facet |
Stephan Lau Anette Hiemisch |
author_sort |
Stephan Lau |
title |
Functional Freedom: A Psychological Model of Freedom in Decision-Making |
title_short |
Functional Freedom: A Psychological Model of Freedom in Decision-Making |
title_full |
Functional Freedom: A Psychological Model of Freedom in Decision-Making |
title_fullStr |
Functional Freedom: A Psychological Model of Freedom in Decision-Making |
title_full_unstemmed |
Functional Freedom: A Psychological Model of Freedom in Decision-Making |
title_sort |
functional freedom: a psychological model of freedom in decision-making |
publisher |
MDPI AG |
series |
Behavioral Sciences |
issn |
2076-328X |
publishDate |
2017-07-01 |
description |
The freedom of a decision is not yet sufficiently described as a psychological variable. We present a model of functional decision freedom that aims to fill that role. The model conceptualizes functional freedom as a capacity of people that varies depending on certain conditions of a decision episode. It denotes an inner capability to consciously shape complex decisions according to one’s own values and needs. Functional freedom depends on three compensatory dimensions: it is greatest when the decision-maker is highly rational, when the structure of the decision is highly underdetermined, and when the decision process is strongly based on conscious thought and reflection. We outline possible research questions, argue for psychological benefits of functional decision freedom, and explicate the model’s implications on current knowledge and research. In conclusion, we show that functional freedom is a scientific variable, permitting an additional psychological foothold in research on freedom, and that is compatible with a deterministic worldview. |
topic |
free will freedom decision-making underdetermination volition consciousness |
url |
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/7/3/41 |
work_keys_str_mv |
AT stephanlau functionalfreedomapsychologicalmodeloffreedomindecisionmaking AT anettehiemisch functionalfreedomapsychologicalmodeloffreedomindecisionmaking |
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