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Which of the following factors is NOT a type of hard determinism?

  1. Biological determinism

  2. Psychic determinism

  3. Environmental determinism

  4. Free will determinism

The correct answer is: Free will determinism

The correct choice identifies a concept that stands apart from the commonly recognized forms of hard determinism. Hard determinism posits that every event or action is determined by preceding factors, suggesting a lack of free will. Biological determinism deals with the notion that biological factors such as genetics play a crucial role in determining human behavior. Psychic determinism is rooted in the belief that unconscious desires and prior experiences shape behavior, emphasizing the influence of internal psychological processes. Environmental determinism suggests that environmental factors and conditions dictate behavioral responses. In contrast, free will determinism is not a recognized type of hard determinism; it implies some level of autonomy in decision-making, which is contradictory to the deterministic viewpoint. This distinction highlights how free will is seen as an opposing concept to hard determinism.