Philosophy Functionalism Questions
Functionalism addresses the mind-body problem by proposing that mental states are not solely dependent on physical states, but rather on the functions or roles that these physical states play within a system. According to functionalism, mental states are defined by their causal relations to other mental states, sensory inputs, and behavioral outputs. This perspective suggests that it is the functional organization of the brain, rather than its specific physical composition, that gives rise to mental states. In other words, functionalism argues that the mind is not reducible to the physical body, but rather emerges from the complex interactions and processes within the brain.