Lecture on Functionalism and Behaviorism

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to Functionalism and Behaviorism, as discussed in the lecture.

Functionalism

The theory that mental descriptions are based on functional roles rather than physical composition.

Behaviorism

The view that mental states are equivalent to behavioral dispositions.

Absent Qualia Objection

The argument that it is conceivable to have a being that is functionally identical to a person but lacks qualitative experiences.

Inverted Qualia

The hypothetical situation where two individuals function identically but experience different qualitative states.

Multiple Realizability

The concept that a single mental state can be realized in different ways across different beings.

Interdefinability

The principle that mental states are dependent on each other for definition.

Philosophical Behaviorism

The view that mental states are defined as dispositions to behave in certain ways.

Token Physicalism

The belief that mental states can be identified with physical states, although not necessarily identical.

Functional Analysis of Mental States

Analyzing mental states based on their causes and effects rather than their physical makeup.

Artificial Consciousness

The notion that if Functionalism is correct, machines can possess a form of consciousness.

Zombie

A thought experiment for absent qualia, representing a being without consciousness despite having functional and behavioral capabilities.

Collective Agents

Groups of individuals who function collectively in a way that may produce absent qualia.

Jade and Scarlet

An illustration of the Inverted Qualia objection where two individuals have different subjective experiences despite similar functionalities.

Hilary Putnam

A prominent philosopher known for his contributions to functionalism and philosophy of mind.

David Lewis

A philosopher who contributed to the debate on functionalism and modal realism.