Philosophy Functionalism Questions
Functional stability in functionalism refers to the idea that mental states and processes are defined by their functional roles or relationships within a system, rather than by their physical or material properties. According to functionalism, mental states are not dependent on specific physical structures, but rather on the functions they perform in relation to other mental states and external stimuli. Functional stability means that a mental state remains the same as long as it continues to perform its designated function within the system, regardless of any changes in its physical or material composition. This concept emphasizes the importance of the functional organization and relationships within a system in determining mental states, rather than focusing solely on the physical properties of the system.