How does functionalism explain mental states in physical systems?

Philosophy Functionalism Questions



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How does functionalism explain mental states in physical systems?

Functionalism explains mental states in physical systems by focusing on the functional role or purpose of those mental states rather than their specific physical properties. According to functionalism, mental states are defined by their causal relations to inputs, outputs, and other mental states within a system. This means that mental states can be realized by different physical systems as long as they perform the same functional role. In other words, it is the function or role of a mental state that determines its identity, rather than the specific physical makeup of the system in which it is instantiated. Functionalism allows for the possibility of multiple physical realizations of the same mental state, emphasizing the importance of the relationships and interactions between mental states and their environment.