Match the physicalist theory with its definition of mental states:
Identity Theory ↔️ Equated with brain states
Behaviorism ↔️ Defined by observable behavior
Functionalism ↔️ Defined by causal role
Order the following physicalist theories based on their primary focus in defining mental states:
1️⃣ Identity Theory
2️⃣ Behaviorism
3️⃣ Functionalism
One weakness of functionalism is that it may not fully capture the qualitative, subjective nature of consciousness
It can be challenging to specify the exact functional roles
Functionalism focuses on the abstract causal role
Functionalism defines mental states by their functional or causal role
One weakness of functionalism is the difficulty in specifying the exact functional roles
What is functionalism as a physicalist theory of the mind?
Defines states by functional role
The core idea of functionalism is that mental states should be understood in terms of their inputs, outputs, and causal relations within a cognitive system
True
What is one strength of functionalism as a theory of the mind?
Avoids problems of other theories
What is one advantage of functionalism over identity theory and behaviorism?
Avoids their problems
Functionalism provides an abstract, computational view of the mind.
True
The causal/computational view of the mind in functionalism has been criticized.
True
Match each physicalist theory with its definition of mental states:
Identity Theory ↔️ Equated with specific brain states
Behaviorism ↔️ Defined in terms of observable behavior
Functionalism ↔️ Defined by their causal role in information processing
Functionalism understands mental states in terms of their causal relations within a cognitive system.
True
Functionalism differs from identity theory and behaviorism in its focus on the abstract causal role of mental states rather than their physical or behavioral manifestations
The core idea of functionalism is that mental states should be understood in terms of their inputs, outputs, and causal relations
Functionalism allows for multiple realizability, meaning mental states can be realized in different physical systems
True
Functionalism allows for multiple realizability
What is one weakness of functionalism regarding consciousness?
May not capture subjectivity
How does functionalism define mental states?
By their functional role
What are the key elements emphasized in functionalism's definition of mental states?
Inputs, outputs, relations
What does multiple realizability allow for in functionalism?
Different physical systems
Match each application of functionalism with its description:
Cognitive Science ↔️ Explains mental processes in cognition
Artificial Intelligence ↔️ Informs the design of intelligent systems
Philosophy of Mind ↔️ Provides a framework for the mind-body problem