Metaphysics of Mind - ESSAY PLANS

Question 1

Is Functionalism Correct?

Answer 1

Introduction: 
Outline Functionalism (allows for multiple realisability unlike other physicalist theories of mind). Functionalism is correct

Para One:
Outline qualia, not causally affected by anything and thus not characterised by their functional role (unlike functionalism that states all mental states are characterised by their functional role). It is strong as it is deductive and analytic. If qualia real then functionalism fails, if not then true

Para Two:
Argument from inverted qualia. It is possible to have identical functional states but different qualia

They are not functionally identical, there would be a slight functional difference in asking ‘which colour is most similar to blue’, they would provide different responses

If the whole spectrum is inverted then it would solve the problem

Wouldn’t solve the problem as we are less able to discriminate between shades of blue so there are no functional duplicates

There is no difference as both A and B have same visual ability to perceive it is just that B will be able to subjectively discriminate in ways we are unable to.

There would be a physical difference in terms of cones and rods in retina - would be able to tell subjective difference without qualia at all however in accepting this response, functional roles are role of physical states (as functional and physical duplicates ensue quale duplicates)

Cant jump from logical to physical possibility as inner subjective experience is not scientifically investigable. Strong as it affects any argument trying to show existence of quale from conceivability.