Functionalism

By:Kyiona Jackson

Definition

In the most simplest of terms, functionalism is a philosophy of mind that believes the proof of the existence of the mind is exhibited by a person's actions and not just through mental processes.

Basic Insight

What mental states do as opposed to what it is made of (or how it feels).

Pros

Allows for psychology to stand alone as a field of study Allows one to allow mental states for artificial intelligence

Cons

Thinking of psychology as autonomous is because knowledge of the brain becomes secondary

It is possible to be in a mental state that plays the role of a mental state without any feelings attached to it.