Final answer:
The 'choices of no consequence' concept contributes to the illusion of control by suggesting individuals have a false sense of influence over outcomes when in reality, they may not. This notion is exemplified by the learned helplessness experiments and is strengthened by adherence to social constructs and pre-existing beliefs, as well as the philosophical debate surrounding free will versus determinism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of "choices of no consequence" plays a significant role in fostering the illusion of control in our lives, an idea discussed by researchers like van der Elst in the context of free will and determinism. This concept implies that individuals may choose options that seemingly have no real impact on outcomes, suggesting control over their environment that doesn't exist. For example, Martin Seligman's experiments on learned helplessness in the 1960s demonstrated how subjects could develop a passive acceptance of negative situations when they perceived no way to control or change their outcome. This concept is relatedly applied to belief systems where individuals may choose to adhere to previously established beliefs as a false display of control, rather than critically examining or revising these beliefs based on new evidence or experiences.
Moreover, social constructs and subjective perceptions often guide our decisions, leading to behaviors based on our beliefs about what is real, which is reflected in the Thomas theorem: "If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences." The illusion of control is thus also sustained by choices that conform to social expectations or identities that have been imposed on individuals. The question of free will and determinism poses the dilemma of responsible action versus predetermination, questioning whether human behavior is truly self-directed or constrained by fate. The notion that some factors outside our control, such as fate or deities, ultimately dictate our lives, stands in opposition to the belief in autonomous free will, which is essential for notions of moral responsibility and accountability. The interplay between perceived control, actual control, and the choices we make or believe we make, contributes to an ongoing philosophical discussion on free will and influences our understanding of human behavior and responsibility.