Abstract This paper explores functionalist theory and identitytheory. 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 identitytheory, 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."
Abstract This paper states that "identitytheory" claims that each and every type of mental state corresponds directly to a physical state or occurrence within the brain; but "token identity" theory does not say that the tokens share any physical properties. The author declares that the theory of dualism claims that each mental token is entirely non-physical despite the fact that it appears to be connected to the body. The paper concludes that "identitytheory" and materialism are more probable than "dualism".
From the Paper "Now that the two opposing theories of identity theory and dualism have been defined, the various arguments for the theories can be examined. To begin with I will argue for identity theory, using an argument concerning our physical origins and evolutionary history. When a human being is conceived as a fertilized ovum, it begins life as a genetically programmed single-celled collection of molecules. The further it develops, the more molecules are added and the larger it becomes; as the cells divide over and over, the structure and amalgamation of each molecule that is added is controlled by information present in the DNA in the cell nucleus."
Abstract This paper examines how a review of the available literature on social identitytheory and enactments suggests that organizations who consciously work towards creating and fostering a common identity will reap the benefits of greater organizational commitment. It also examines how the theory can improve employee morale and job satisfaction as well as better decision-making processes, enhanced creativity and innovation, and more competitive edges.
From the Paper "One way for organizations to manage existing or potential conflicts is to ensure that management practices promote rather than compromise job satisfaction by establishing integrity in promotion processes, allocation of resources, and organizational policies (Anon, 2003). After all, research on experimental and ethnic groups indicates that groups are less likely to evidence ethnocentrism and defensive biases if differences are viewed as legitimate (Ashforth & Mael, 1989). Hatch and Schultz (2002) also contend that knowing how organizational identities work can help organizations avoid organizational dysfunction and thus increase their effectiveness. "
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 identitytheory 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."
This paper looks at the issue of self-expression of identity, focusing on the classroom setting and students with a non traditional sexual orientation or disability.
Abstract This paper explores several educational theories that deal with the formation of individual identity within the context of a classroom. The paper discusses social justice education theories, critical pedagogy theory, and social identitytheory and looks at how these theories can help exlplain the development of identity within the classroom, specifically focusing on students with disabilities or a non-traditional sexual orientation. The paper relates that constructing an identity within the context of a classroom is difficult enough, but adding into that a disability or a non traditional sexual orientation makes the process that much more difficult. The paper concludes that several of the theories examined in the paper prove how identity formulation is in some ways hindered within a classroom based on the categories and labels children place upon themselves.
Outline:
Literature Review
References
From the Paper "This is the same concept for students with different sexual orientations; they should first be acknowledged for all of their various identities, and then treated and taught accordingly based on the collaboration of those identities. This type of teaching environment must begin in grade school and continue on into higher education in order to present a solid foundation for these student's identities to grow and flourish all throughout their educational career.
"Children who are forced with a disability have an especially hard time in formulating their own unique identity when compared to physically normal children. Deaf children of all ages suffer a lag in their language and communication skills, which in turn delays their own formation of a conception of a self ..."
Abstract In this paper, the writer identifies who he or she is, according to certain theories studied in class that are laid out in the text. These include the observational learning model, Piaget's stages of cognitive development, and Erikson's stages of psychological development. The writer points out that all of these go toward making a comprehensive self identity.
From the Paper "One of the most fascinating questions that we all focus on at various stages in our lives is the definition of who we are. We express this in many different ways - during deep discussions with friends, for example, but also as a function of our everyday actions, and the choices we make, both large and small. It is accurate to say that who we are - personal identity - is present very early in life, but it gets stronger and more distinct as life goes on. In some ways, personal identity may also develop as life goes on, changing and going in different directions."
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, identitytheory 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?"
Abstract This paper tackles the issue of personal identity. The author examines the leading theories of personal identity: the Soul Continuity Theory, the Brain Continuity Theory, the Body Continuity Theory, and the Memory Continuity Theory. This paper gives some detail on each of these competing claims and proves that in fact none are correct and personal identity is some combination of the above.
From the Paper "There are many theories as to what exactly constitutes an individual's personal identity, their self-identity over time; the very thing that makes them unique from all other beings. This paper will show, through a defense and counterargument of the best of these competing theories, the soul theory, that it as well as the others fall short of defining personal identity and that in fact true PI is constituted through both the brain and the soul."
Tags: body, continuity, memory, philosphy, soul, theory
Abstract This paper reviews literature concerning theories on social conflict and looks at how these theories shaped the social conflicts that occurred in Northern Ireland. The theories discussed in the paper include 'Social IdentityTheory', 'IdentityTheory', 'Self-determination Theory' and 'Human Needs Theory.' The paper concludes with the finding that, overall, the literature review indicates that there is reason to believe that there will be lasting change in Northern Ireland.
Introduction
Social IdentityTheory and IdentityTheory Self-determination Theory Human Needs Theory Social Movement Analysis in Context of Northern Ireland Social Attitudes
and Conflict
Conflict Resolution
Indications that Northern Ireland is Changing
From the Paper "In other words, the social identity theory argues that, in any social situation where an intergroup distinction is significant, human beings will seek a positive social identity that will eventually result in "social competition" ( Hogg & Abrams, 1988; Tajfel & Turner, 1979, Duckitt, 1994). As a result, people groups will have the tendency to assume a competitive orientation when dealing with one another other (Duckitt, 1994). Such a competitive orientation leads people to vie for status or prestige although there is an absence of any actual conflict of interests. "
Abstract The topic discussed in this article is identity politics. Essentially, the writer looks at the question of how identity politics drive new social theories like feminism, critical race theory and post-colonial theory. A number of topics are examined ranging from social organization and gender to oppression.
From the Paper "A number of newer social theories have developed that are driven by identity politics. Some of the most important of these social theories are feminism, critical race theory, post-colonial theory, lesbian and gay theory. What all of these social theories share is a new understanding of identity. In African Identities Anthony Appiah states, 'There are, I think, three crucial lessons to be learned from these cases. First, identities are complex and multiple and grow out of a history of changing responses to economic, political and cultural forces, almost always in opposition to other identities'."
Abstract This paper explains that the social identitytheory paradigm, important to understanding diversity in the workplace, suggests that, when individuals are members of a group, they are more likely to derive their sense of identity or part of it from that group. The author uses a questionnaire to interview police officers about field information regarding the retention practices of hiring agencies with the intent of uncovering how the social identitytheory might be linked to retention and progression within the workforce. The paper concludes that, if recruits joining the organization perceive that the only opportunities available to them are among the rank and file employees, they will leave and pursue opportunities for advancement elsewhere; thus, an improved educational program, which targets minority understanding and opportunity, might result in a more positive outcome for the organization.
Table of Contents
Social IdentityTheory Paradigm
Retention of Staff and Turn Over
Methodology/Summary of Findings
From the Paper "What causes turnover? In the modern labor market the demographics of a diverse workforce suggest that employees no longer respond to traditional management practices and are instead looking for a "metamorphic" workforce where they can build a social identity that is comfortable and productive within the organization. Managers must work toward gaining insight into employees' diverse attitudes and belief systems by understanding core beliefs, fostering long term employee development plans and understanding individual's personality traits."
Tags: retention, progression, turnover, survey, program
Abstract This paper examines the theories of intentionalism and functionalism in relation to the development and implementation of Hitler's Final Solution. The first theory holds that the Final Solution was the direct result of Hitler's anti-Semitic ideology and his orders to that effect. The second theory of functionalism asserts that the Final Solution developed haphazardly as a result of external pressures. The paper draws upon a wealth of historiographical evidence to support its findings. The writer weighs the merits of both theories and ultimately finds in favor of the theory of intentionalism.
From the Paper "The Holocaust was the deliberate and bureaucratic annihilation of eleven million people, six million of whom were Jews, by Hitler and his Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945. The Holocaust was the greatest genocidal attempt ever made and arguably the greatest demonstration of man's inhumanity to man that the world has ever seen. Even now, the Holocaust's legacy of death and destruction strikes fear and sorrow into the hearts of people around the world. Perhaps one of the greatest and most pressing questions of modern civilization is just how and why the horrible atrocities of the Holocaust occurred. There are two modern theories as to the origin of Hitler's Final Solution, the final plan for the extermination of all Jews and other "inferior" peoples. These two theories are known simply as intentionalism and functionalism. The traditional theory of intentionalism holds that there is a clear linear relation between Hitler's anti-Semitic ideology and the Final Solution."
Tags: anti, final, functionalism, genocide, hitler, semitism, solution, germany, nazi
Abstract This paper explores what sociologists mean by the term "functionalism". The paper also examines why functionalists believe that social order is so important to the proper functioning of a society, and reviews the origins of functionalist theory with emphasis being placed upon some prominent theorists who championed the concept. Finally, the paper explores functionalism within the family, looks at the place of the "sick role" within functionalist theory, explores passing items like "anomie" + "solidarity", tackles the implications of functionalist theory for understanding social phenomena like the human family and mentions some shortcomings of functionalism as an explanatory tool.
Abstract This paper examines four types of social theories and their use to the educator. The theories are functionalism, Marxism, interpretivism and post-modernism It discusses the meaning of the four social theories, compares and contrasts the strengths and weaknesses and then chooses a social theory that explains the function of education within contemporary American society. The paper maintains that a glimpse into the history of the social theories and what makes them significant will help foster an understanding of the theories.
Outline:
Abstract
Interpretivism
Functionalism Marxism
Post-Modernism Era
Conclusion
From the Paper "Structural functionalism inhibits certain forms of analyses, such as comparative analysis. Structural functionalism has also been described as both illegitimately teleological and tautological. The former implies that structural functionalists rely too heavily on the notion that social structures have purposes or goals. This notion is posited to justify the existence of particular structures without adequate theoretical reasons or empirical backing. Tautology suggests that the conclusion of a theory makes explicit what is implicit in the premise of the theory. Thus, structural functionalism defines the whole in terms of the parts and the parts in terms of the whole."
Abstract This paper applies the identitytheory to the case of immigration in the United States. It asks if the United States should continue to allow Immigrants to enter the U.S. seeking refuge and citizenship, when the nations states are already overly populated? It questions whether immigrants should be allowed to enter the U.S. and work when there are hundreds of citizens and native-born Americans already unemployed and desperately searching for work. It uses these questions as example of the conflicting messages immigrants and their children face in modern day society, and explains how they add to the increasingly complex problem of finding identity in a torn nation.
From the Paper "The United States is world known for its ethnic diversity, due in part to the immigration allowed over several years. Many people however, fail to find a means to foster inter-racial and ethnic identities, thus causing much conflict and a lack of a uniform sense of identity. The social issue relates to finding a common identity in a nation of multi-ethnicities. Children of immigrants are now coming of age, and from a social psychological stand will make the most lasting impression on society. The character of society will be shaped by their experiences."
Tags: ethnic, diversity, america, racial, employment, population
