functionalism

Question 1

functionalism

Answer 1

functionalism reduces mental states to functional. the functional states are the mental states relation to inputs (sensory), outputs (behavioural), and other mental states

Question 2

the possibility of a functional duplicate with different qulia (inverted qalia)

Answer 2

it has been objected that it is conceivable for someone with the same functional states and therefore the same behavioural states to then have different qualia
give stop light example
this poses a problem for functionalism as it should not all phenomenal properties of our consciousness can be reduced to functional states. eg color perception cannot

Question 3

the possibility of a functional duplicate with no qualia

Answer 3

according to functionalism, the mind is simply a complex arrangement of functional states with the correct kind of causal relation to each other and inputs and outputs
ned block says we can link everyone in china together and to the outside world to replicate this
the functionalist would be forced to say that it is a mind and that it is conscious and has beliefs. this is absurd as each individual has beliefs but its impossible that the entire model does

Question 4

the knowledge/ Mary argument applied to functionalism

Answer 4

Mary has complete knowledge of the functional facts of a conscious being (she understands all the functional roles) yet can still lack knowledge of how something feels, therefore lacking a mental fact.

1) if functionalism is true then Mary knowing all functional facts about color perception should also know all mental facts about color perception
2) Mary knows all functional facts about color perception
3) yet when she sees color she learns something new - how its like to see red
4) if Mary learns a new fact then not all functional facts account for mental facts
4) therefore not all mental facts are functional facts
5) functionalism is false