Philosophy Functionalism Questions
Functionalism addresses the problem of mental representation in animals by proposing that mental states are not dependent on specific physical structures or processes, but rather on their functional role 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, animals can have mental representations even if their physical structures or processes differ from humans, as long as they perform similar functions and exhibit similar patterns of behavior. Functionalism allows for the possibility of mental representation in animals without requiring them to possess the same kind of mental states as humans.