Philosophy Functionalism Questions
Functionalism addresses the problem of mental causation in animals by proposing that mental states are not solely dependent on the physical properties of the brain, but rather on the functional role they play in the overall cognitive system. According to functionalism, mental states are defined by their causal relations to other mental states, sensory inputs, and behavioral outputs. Therefore, even in animals, mental causation is explained by the functional roles and interactions of their mental states within their cognitive systems, rather than solely relying on the physical properties of their brains.