How does functionalism explain mental states in cognitive science?

Philosophy Functionalism Questions



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How does functionalism explain mental states in cognitive science?

Functionalism in cognitive science explains mental states by focusing on the functions and roles they play in the overall cognitive system. According to functionalism, mental states are not defined by their physical properties or specific neural processes, but rather by their causal relations to other mental states, behavior, and environmental inputs and outputs. In other words, mental states are identified by what they do rather than what they are made of. This approach allows for the possibility of multiple physical realizations of the same mental state, as long as they perform the same function within the cognitive system. Functionalism emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose and role of mental states in cognition, rather than solely focusing on their underlying physical mechanisms.