An examination of U.S. philosopher Jerry Fodor's theory of functionalism, and its criticism by David Chalmers.
Written in 2009; 991 words; 1 sources; MLA; $ 35.95
Paper Summary:
This paper examines Jerry Fodor's theory of functionalism, which is an attempt to overcome fatal flaws in previously suggested dualistic and physical claims on the subject of the mind-body problem. The writer argues that this idea does not fully encompass every aspect of the issue, and therefore it was criticized by David Chalmers. The writer explain these criticisms, and then defends Chalmers by showing that Fodor's theory has conceivable gaps and therefore is not necessarily a valid theory.
From the Paper:
"Jerry Fodor's theory of functionalism is an idea based on the "function" of mental states, not the composition. This allows for the idea of functionalism to be thought of as an input and output process, claiming the composition of the process unimportant for such a theory. He claims that computers are an excellent representation of this and allows for such fantastic ideas as ghosts and spirits to have thinking capability. Fodor elaborates on his theory by examining previous ideas that explain the mind-body problem. One of Fodor's initial explanations he relates to the idea of the central state identity theory, a strong physicalisitic approach. "
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