Perhaps, mental states are brain functions {functionalism}. Consciousness is inputs, processing, and outputs about stimuli, behaviors, beliefs, goals, and algorithms. Functionalism uses input-output relations to explain physical and biological processes. If mental states are conscious, they have special functions [Armstrong and Malcolm, 1984] [Armstrong, 1962] [Armstrong, 1968] [Armstrong, 1980] [Churchland, 1986] [Churchland, 1988] [Churchland, 1995] [Churchland, 2002].
The same functional process can have different physical representations. The same physical state can represent different functions.
mental states
Mental states do not necessarily correspond to anatomy or physiology, but are like software and algorithms. Mental states are internal, with no public behavior. Mental states are objective, with no need for subjective feelings. Mental states are perception, memory, emotion, and will effects. Mental states cause motions.
phenomenal functions
Phenomena can cause behavior by translating stimuli into goals, energies, or actions. Different physical states can have same phenomena.
types
Perhaps, having conscious experience is mental functioning, and having particular experience is neurophysiological {physicalist-functionalism}. Perhaps, mental properties are identical to functional properties {psychofunctionalism}. Perhaps, conscious system must have functions, selected for in the past {reductive teleofunctionalism}. Perhaps, both conscious and unconscious mental capacities are for adaptation {teleological functionalism}. Perhaps, functional brain parts can explain mind {decompositional functionalism}. Perhaps, mind can be computer programs {computation-representation functionalism}. Perhaps, mental states can be functional states {metaphysical functionalism}, based on input, output, and causal relations.
types: interactionism
Interactionism includes functionalism and has non-physical reality {mind-stuff} to provide mental states. However, it is typically materialist, involving hardware, such as brain {wetware}.
Social Sciences>Philosophy>Mind>Theories>Functionalism
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Date Modified: 2022.0224