Single Idea 6378

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / C. Functionalism / 5. Teleological Functionalism]

Full Idea

Teleological functions help explain why a trait has come to exist; causal-role functions tell what a trait does or is apt to do.

Clarification

'Teleology' concerns purposes

Gist of Idea

Teleological functions explain why a trait exists; causal-role functions say what it does

Source

Thomas W. Polger (Natural Minds [2004], §5.4)

Book Reference

Polger,Thomas W.: 'Natural Minds' [MIT 2004], p.174


A Reaction

The teleological view has the merit of nesting nicely with the theory of evolution, and with Aristotelian virtue ethics (which I like). Causal-role functionalism focuses better on what is actually happening inside the head.