token identity functionalism

Question 1

what is the advantage of token identity theory?

Answer 1

• it has an advantage over type theory
• -> as it accounts for the multiple realization theory
• simplicity
• accounts for mental causation
• compatible with non-reductive physicalism (the idea that we cannot reduce higher level sciences to lower level)

Question 2

is token identity functionalism?

Answer 2

I think so. At least a type of functionalism

Question 3

what is functionalism?

Answer 3

The proposal that mental states are to be defined in terms of the causal roles they play, or the functions they serve, in a larger system

computer metaphor

Question 4

functional states =

Answer 4

states that are defined in terms of what they do

Question 5

functional descriptions

Answer 5

Every (type of) mental state can be individuated in terms of a set of characteristic causal relations between: Stimulus + Response + other mental states

1. Inputs to the system
2. Outputs from the system
3. Other mental states in the system

emphasis on observable output

Question 6

how does it account for MR?

Answer 6

functional mental states are realizer independent: the particular stuff they are made of doesn’t matter, as long as they can still execute the relevant function

Question 7

what is token?

Answer 7

- One mental type (pain) realized by more than one
physical type (C-fibre firings, D-fibre firings, silicon
chips etc.)

• Every token of the mental type „pain“ is identical with
  some physical state.

Question 8

functionalism is compatible with …

Answer 8

dualism
token identity
the extended mind