Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
What is the Mind-Body problem?
Position‹4 of 4

Mind-Body problem: functionalism

This position presents functionalism as an answer to the mind-body problem. It holds that mental states can be reduced to functional responses to stimuli—Putnam likened the mind and body to a computer—offering an alternative to the perceived weaknesses of materialism.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. The weakness of materialism
    The reduction of mental states to physical occurrences is inconclusive. The relationship between mental activities and physical activity can on the contrary be the result of several stimuli.
  2. Putnam’s Functionalism: Likening the human mind and body to a computer
    Likening the human mind and body to the functionality of a computer, Hilary Putnam’s theory of Functionalism claims our mental states are direct responses to external stimuli. The mind is the brain’s interpreter.