Functionalism

Question 1

Who came up with Functionalism

Answer 1

Hilary Putnam

Question 2

What is the mind according to the functionalist

Answer 2

• Mental states are logically linked to, but not reducible to behavioural states.
• Mental states are to be defined by their causal role mediating inputs and outputs. Acts as a FUNCTIONAL (causal) mediator
• PINKER ‘The mind is what the brain does’ (PUTNAM ‘we could be made of Swiss cheese and it wouldnt matter)

Question 3

What example is used to support functionalism

Answer 3

• THERMOSTAT
• Input- detect room temp.
• Functional state- discerns what temp it should be
• Output- Turns heating up/down

Question 4

What is COMPUTATIONAL functionalism

Answer 4

-TURING machine
-We are but computers
-‘Imitation Game’- Interrogator of the sex of a person (honest/dishonest)
BUT NO SUCH COMPUTER EXISTS

Question 5

Criticism of functionalism from SEARLE

Answer 5

• CHINESE ROOM

- Does the person KNOW Chinese????