Functionalism
A study of functionalism as an alternative to identity theory and behaviourism. Students will examine how mental states are defined by their functional roles and evaluate the 'inverted spectrum' objection.
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A study of functionalism as an alternative to identity theory and behaviourism. Students will examine how mental states are defined by their functional roles and evaluate the 'inverted spectrum' objection.
Key Questions
- Can mental states be defined solely by their inputs, internal transitions, and outputs?
- Does functionalism successfully avoid the multiple realisability objection?
- How does the 'China brain' thought experiment challenge functionalism?
More in Metaphysics of Mind: Physicalism and Functionalism
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