Concept tag
#functionalism
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Functionalism is officially neutral, but in practice it is materialism with better manners
Functionalism says mental states are defined by their causal roles: pain is whatever state is caused by damage, causes distress and avoidance, and so on, regardless of what realises it. Putnam's argument from multiple realisability in the 1960s made it the default…
Started by Priya Raghavan6 replies201 views -
What is functionalism, and why do people think it supports machine consciousness?
People in AI discussions often say that "on a functionalist view" a machine could be conscious. I have a vague sense of what that means but I'd like to understand it properly. What exactly does functionalism claim? Why do people think it…
Started by Pieter de Jong3 replies120 views -
The mind–body problem: a beginner’s guide
How can a thought move an arm? The main answers, from Descartes and Elisabeth to functionalism, with stops in classical India and eighteenth-century Wittenberg.
Started by Derek Hollis0 replies109 views