Abstract
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."

Tags:philosophy, of, mind

Abstract
This paper explores functionalist theory and identity theory, briefly describing each and outlining how they are similar and different. Additionally, the paper discusses the relative shortcomings and strengths of each, and briefly advances which one is preferable.

From the Paper
"The following paper will explore functionalist theory and identity theory. Specifically, the paper will briefly describe each, outline how they are similar and different, discuss the relative shortcomings and strengths of each, and briefly advance which one is preferable. In the final analysis, while this writer believes functionalism is a better theory in many ways than is identity theory, it has certain infelicities that compromise it and cut into its (legitimate) case against brain states and mental states being one and the same. In essence, functionalism holds that brain states, while responsible for..."

Tags:identity, functionalism, theory

Abstract
The theory that the mind and the brain are intrinsic functions is explored, and the determination is offered that the mind is not separate from and not even a physically visible function of the brain, but that it is a definite part of ther human body to accept learning and behavior. The paper points out, however, that one can have a great and useful and innovative "brain" and still not be a very nice person in terms of behavior. Einstein is used as an example.

From the Paper
"Let us dismiss, for purposes of the argument to follow, Descartes' famous theory: Cogito, ergo sum. I think, therefore I am. His was a religious theory, based on his belief that the brain and the soul are God's gifts to man and are in essence intertwined. The brain is something tactile. We can feel it. We can see it in action. The mysteries of thought and behavior, however, are suppositions which we have to accept as being part and parcel of the function of the brain. Without the brain (not just "a" brain) and the central nervous system, no human can function. More than ever before, we read about the end of a..."

Tags:identity, personality, brain function

Abstract
This paper discusses where functionalism falls in the genesis of theory that attempts to answer the question of the truth of the relationship between mind and body in the human experience. The fundamental idea of functionalism is that mental states are definable in a similarly exterior way to behaviorism. It examines how the the theory of functionalism can be considered the intellectual child of logical behaviorism with adapted elements of modern identity theory concerning the identical nature of the human brain's structures and processes.

From the Paper
"Functionalism takes its inspiration from the mechanistic aspects of science. In so-called simple Decompositional Functionalism, a whole system is explained in terms of functional parts, such as the functional components of an the infamous Turning machine, the purely functional machine that forms the functionalist philosophy's core image. In such an ideal machine, all that matters is what the machine does, not the mechanics of how it does what it does, or what the machine is made of. Computation-Representation Functionalism takes the technical aspects of Decompositional Functionalism and applies them to the biological components of the human mind, rendering mental states into functional states."

Tags:decompositional, mind, brain, human

Abstract
In this article, the writer uses Talcott Parson's social theory of functionalism and Lewis Coser's social conflict theory and applies them to two contemporary social phenomena in the news media; the widening gap of disagreement among evangelicals about their platform and public identity, and a policy that places "wanted posters" of deadbeat dads on pizza boxes.

From the Paper
"Dr Peter Kivisto maintains there is a remarkable variety of work that falls under the rubric social theory. Various social phenomena are explained by such theories from social problems like crime and violence to the battles over same-sex marriage and abortion. This analysis will investigate two social phenomena explaining them through the social theories of functionalism and conflict theory The first social phenomenon is addressed in Rachel Zoll's article 'Christian Right at Crossroads' which discusses the growing division in ideology and public identity of evangelicals vying for political ..."

Tags:Talcott Parson, government, special interest groups, same sex marriage, attorneys, social services, public policy, deadbeat dads, marginalized groups

Abstract
In Roland Barthes' structuralist semiotic approach to sociology, it is clear that much insight into the character of society and culture can be derived by linguistic analogy. The paper shows that Barthes develops the view that language has a dual function that is public, available for all to see in a social context on one hand and on the other a psychological, i.e., private or imaginative, function. Creative and imaginative processes are associated with the impulse to respond to and express or interpret the public or social meanings that are made in and by language in its cultural function. The paper shows that much of what the individual experiences as either social or personal begins with language--identity, features of experience, narrative, communication with others and so on.

From the Paper
"Thus Barthes looks at how linguistic forms, whether advertisements, art, rhetoric, or forms of social organization that function as communication, are actually used, with a view toward showing how their function indicates or signifies meaning for the (personal and private) experience of society. In other words, Barthes is looking at what social, public expressions intend to accomplish, with a view toward exposing the truth of or agenda behind those communicative processes. Signs and symbols, including language but also images, art, sounds, and so on, are the media of communication. The signs may be psychological or physical or both, and either manifestly or by way of some kind of code meant to convey (or conceal) meaning, these signs (signifiers) refer to or stand for (signify) some thing. The semiotic sociology, then, seeks to account for, or so to speak "decode," what is seen or expressed overtly. It is necessary because all linguistic designations come from somewhere."

Tags:communication, Karl, Marx, Max, Weber, mythologies

Abstract
This paper explores an individual approach to management, stating that every individual has the capacity to integrate the qualities necessary to move their organization in a satisfactory direction. The paper explains that this can be achieved by assimilating the four functions of management: organization, planning, leadership, and control. The author notes that, as a manager and a leader, he been well-served in both delegating tasks and attending to his own responsibilities by emphasizing the centrality of these ethics in my approach and processes. The paper concludes that organizational development is the process by which an organization comes to identify with a specific procedural orientation, approach to personnel management, collective identity and internal culture; through this process, the whole of the organization can come to reflect its developmental goals.

From the Paper
"Therefore, in the process of organizational development, it is crucial to bring into consideration the input and perspective of organizational members at every level. This will induce greater knowledge economy and stimulate motivation through a sense of individual involvement amongst employees. Additionally, this will allow organizational leadership greater latitude for the execution of managerial responsibilities by unburdening it of some less integral but nonetheless organizational duties. The application of such principles to my uniquely situated and unusually small organization will require careful analysis."

Tags:business, direction, navigation

From the Paper
"Every field that contributes to the understanding of philosophy already has established theories and definitions. Man, the principle focus of philosophy, also has established customs and patterns of behavior. Both of these elements evolve and succumb over time - man evolves and dies; theories are replaced by newer, more accurate theories. Matter and Consciousness is Churchland's attempt to make us see that philosophy may most accurately be studied only if we keep our knowledge of it's theories and definitions current and only if we discard theories which become impractical in the modern world. This paper will be a discussion and analysis of Chapter 2 of Paul M. Churchland's Matter and Consciousness.

Churchland, in his preface, says his aim at writing a compact modern philosophy book is primarily to aid the newcomer ..."

Abstract
The paper explains that physicalism or materialism holds that everything that exists is physical. The paper relates that the three major versions of physicalism are logical behaviourism, identity theory and functionalism. The paper shows that all three are problematic and are not consistent with common sense. Thus, the paper discusses that while physicalism adequately explains the activities of computers, it does not suffice to explain human beings.

From the Paper
"Physicalism may be better understood by contrast with Cartesian dualism. Descartes saw reality as divided into two parts - the physical and the mental. While this fits comfortably with most people's intuition about the world, it had some fundamental problems. The most important was: how do we explain the connection between the mental world and the physical world? For example, if my mind is a mental entity, and my body is a physical entity, why does taking anti-depressants make me feel better?"

Tags:physicalism, materialism, functionalism

Abstract
The paper analyzes the philosophical arguments of Weirob and Miller within the context of a debate discussed in John Perry's "A Dialogue on Personal Identity and Immortality". The paper looks at how Weirob's physicality of self defines a limited and often cynical understanding of the personal identity in that it reduces the mind and the soul to mechanical and biological functions.

Tags:theory, memory, immortal