How is functionalism different from the identity theory of mind?

Functionalism is the theory that mental states are more like mouse traps than they are like diamonds. The identity theory says that mental states are particular kinds of biological states—namely, states of brains—and so presumably have to be made of certain kinds of stuff, namely, brain stuff.

What are the main argument of functionalist theory?

The functionalist perspective sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. This approach looks at society through a macro-level orientation and broadly focuses on the social structures that shape society as a whole.

What is the problem with the identity theory?

Regarding the location of mental events we are also not fully clear for which it is difficult to say that there is identity in space of both mental events and physical events. It is very difficult to answer whether the mental events, such as, thought, feelings and wishes occur in the brain or any other places.

How do Functionalists view the mind?

Functionalism in the philosophy of mind is the doctrine that what makes something a mental state of a particular type does not depend on its internal constitution, but rather on the way it functions, or the role it plays, in the system of which it is a part.

Which is better functionalism or conflict theory?

Unlike functionalist theory, conflict theory is better at explaining social change, and weaker at explaining social stability.

What does the mind brain identity theory claim about mental states?

Mind-brain identity theory is a philosophy that purports the mind and brain are the same. In other words, the state of mind is the same as brain processes; that mental state is the same as the physical state of the brain.

What is the identity theory defended by smart?

Smart is making the further claim that sensations are literally the same thing as brain processes. So far, Smart has argued that dualism fits poorly with a scientific view of the world and that, for this reason, we should adopt the identity theory unless there are strong reasons not to.

How does the Functionalists explain social change?

In structural functionalism, social change is regarded as an adaptive response to some tension within the social system. When some part of an integrated social system changes, a tension between this and other parts of the system is created, which will be resolved by the adaptive change of the other parts.

What are the major limitations and criticisms of the structural functionalist approach?

Criticism. One criticism of the structural-functional theory is that it can’t adequately explain social change. Also problematic is the somewhat circular nature of this theory; repetitive behavior patterns are assumed to have a function, yet we profess to know that they have a function only because they are repeated.

What does the conflict perspective focus on?

Conflict theory focuses on the competition between groups within society over limited resources. Conflict theory views social and economic institutions as tools of the struggle between groups or classes, used to maintain inequality and the dominance of the ruling class.

What criticism can be directed towards functionalist theory?

Functionalism has been criticized for its failure to account for social change and individual agency; some consider it conservatively biased. Functionalism has been criticized for attributing human-like needs to society. Emile Durkheim ‘s work is considered the foundation of functionalist theory in sociology.

What is the difference between identity theory and functionalism?

Mental states, according to the identity theory, are more like diamonds than like mouse traps. Functionalism is also distinguished from B. F. Skinner’s behaviorism because it accepts the reality of internal mental states, rather than simply attributing psychological states to the whole organism.

What is the functionalist view of mind?

1. Functionalism Introduced. Functionalism is a theory about the nature of mental states. According to functionalists, mental states are identified by what they do rather than by what they are made of. Functionalism is the most familiar or “received” view among philosophers of mind and cognitive science. 2.

What are the main arguments for functionalism?

The main arguments for functionalism depend on showing that it is superior to its primary competitors: identity theory and behaviorism. Contrasted with behaviorism, functionalism retains the traditional idea that mental states are internal states of thinking creatures.

What is the mind brain identity theory Stanford University?

The Mind/Brain Identity Theory (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) The Mind/Brain Identity Theory First published Wed Jan 12, 2000; substantive revision Fri May 18, 2007 The identity theory of mind holds that states and processes of the mind are identical to states and processes of the brain.