Functionalism Flashcards
What is a functional state?
A state that links inputs to their associated outputs
What is functionalism?
The theory that mental states are reducible to functional states
Outline what a Turing machine is
a theoretical machine created by Alan Turing that has some basic programming and form this is able to expand its machine table potentially infinitely based on certain inputs and outputs
What theory did Hilary Putnam put in place?
machine state functionalism.
What is a function?
a function is a job carried out by something.
E.G. lawnmower > mow the lawn
A function can be recognised through different mechanisms and parts.
HOw can functions be ‘multiply realised’?
E.G. the monarchy does not cease to exist when the Queen dies, PRince Charles steps in to perform the function of head state
How is the mind a function?
when we talk of the mind we are not talking about the immaterial soul, but something neither physical nor non-physical.
minds attach to physical substances, there could be no mind without a body to recognise its functions.
DOES NOT MEAN THE MIND=BRAIN
Outline a difference between identity theory and functionalism:
mental properties such as pain are realised by properties playing a causal role, for humans it could be brain properties. But, talking about the brain doesn’t tell us anything about what its like to have a mind.
why can’t the brain show the mind?
things with very different brains or with no brains at all could have mental properties just as long as they are realised the same functional properties (playing a causal role)
what are mental states defined by?
ultimately defined by the functional role they fulfil.
