Single Idea 5804

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / C. Functionalism / 2. Machine Functionalism]

Full Idea

A representational theory of the mind is an externalist theory of the mind.

Clarification

'Externalism' means the mind cannot be wholly explained within the brain

Gist of Idea

A representational theory of the mind is an externalist theory of the mind

Source

Fred Dretske (Naturalizing the Mind [1997], §2)

Book Reference

Dretske,Fred: 'Naturalizing the Mind' [MIT 1997], p.40


A Reaction

Presumably brain events bring the world into the mind, so the world must be mentioned in explaining the mind. Maybe 'externalism' sounds grand, but is stating the boringly obvious. Explanations of mind need no mention of external particulars.