What is the causal role functionalism?

What is the causal role functionalism?

Causal role functionalism is a philosophical theory that defines mental states in terms of their causal relations to other mental states, external stimuli, and behavioral outputs. According to this view, mental states are not defined by their physical properties, but rather by the roles they play in the causal network of the mind. This means that mental states can be realized by different physical states as long as they perform the same causal role. Causal role functionalism emphasizes the functional aspects of mental states and their relationship to the overall functioning of the mind.