How does functionalism account for mental causation?

Philosophy Functionalism Questions



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How does functionalism account for mental causation?

Functionalism accounts for mental causation by positing that mental states are not reducible to physical states, but rather are defined by their functional roles or relationships within a system. According to functionalism, mental states are causally related to other mental states and to behavior through their functional roles. This means that mental states are not dependent on specific physical properties, but rather on the functions they perform in relation to other mental states and behavior. Therefore, functionalism allows for mental causation by emphasizing the causal efficacy of mental states within the overall system of an individual's mental processes and behavior.