Single Idea 6539

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

Full Idea

Even the software/hardware distinction as it is literally applied within computer science is philosophically unclear.

Gist of Idea

The distinction between software and hardware is not clear in computing

Source

William Lycan (Consciousness [1987], 4.4)

Book Reference

Lycan,William G.: 'Consciousness' [MIT 1995], p.46


A Reaction

This is true, and very important for functionalist theories of the mind. Even very volatile software is realised in 'hard' physics, and rewritable discs etc blur the distinction between 'programmable' and 'hardwired'.