functionalism

functionalism

theory of mind which states mental states are real and defined by what they do not what they are made of i.e. they are constituted by their functional role

mental states are thus multiply realisable; they can be composed of different materials

machine state functionalism

interprets function in terms of a machine table that lists a series of conditional statements linking inputs, states and outputs

causal role functionalism

interprets function as the role played in a network of causes and effects

qualia

mental states have phenomenal properties which can be understood in terms of qualia

qualia are intrinsic, non intentional properties of mental states, which are introspectively accessible