Identity Theory vs. Functionalism

Paper Summary:

This paper explores functionalist theory and identity theory. Specifically, the paper briefly describes each, outlines their similarities and differences, discusses the relative shortcomings and strengths of each, and briefly advances which one is preferable. The paper concludes that, while it may be argued that functionalism is a more persuasive approach to understanding the human mind than is identity theory, ultimately neither philosophical school is entirely persuasive when it comes to explaining the activities of the human brain.

From the Paper:

"At the same time, the computer analogy outlined above is infelicitous in the sense that, suggesting the "high-level" functions of the brain are shaped by the "hardware" of the brain, can raise some confusion in the minds of novice students. To wit, if "the software is a function of the hardware" ("Functionalism: How is functionalism different?" Para.2), then can it not be argued that the software is really more akin to the hardware than functionalists would have people believe? In other words, if there is such a dependency, then the difference between functionalism and identity theory is not very great, indeed; in fact, it may really not exist at all."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Functionalism: How is Functionalism different?" Philosophy of Mind. Philosophy Online. N.d. Gareth Southwell. 31 Mar. 2007 <http://www.philosophyonline.co.uk/pom/pom_functionalism_different.htm>
• "Functionalism: Introduction." Philosophy of Mind. Philosophy Online. N.d. Gareth Southwell. 31 Mar. 2007 <http://www.philosophyonline.co.uk/pom/pom_functionalism_introduction.htm>
• "Functionalism: Functional states and mental states." Philosophy of Mind. Philosophy Online. N.d. Gareth Southwell. 31 Mar. 2007 <http://www.philosophyonline.co.uk/pom/pom_functionalism_states.htm>
• "Identity theory: Reading my brain." Philosophy of Mind. Philosophy Online. N.d. Gareth Southwell. 31 Mar. 2007 <http://www.philosophyonline.co.uk/pom/pom_identity_reading.htm>
• "Identity theory: What is identity theory?" Philosophy of Mind. Philosophy Online. N.d. Gareth Southwell. 31 Mar. 2007 <http://www.philosophyonline.co.uk/pom/pom_identity_what.htm>

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