more on this theme | more from this text
Full Idea
Teleological notions of function specify not just what a thing happens to do, but what it is supposed to do.
Clarification
'Teleological' means to do with purpose
Gist of Idea
Teleological notions of function say what a thing is supposed to do
Source
Thomas W. Polger (Natural Minds [2004], Ch.5.3)
Book Ref
Polger,Thomas W.: 'Natural Minds' [MIT 2004], p.165
A Reaction
This is the basis of a distinct theory of the mind. It seems to be akin to the 'dispositions' of behaviourism, so that the mind becomes once more a theoretical and abstract entity, rather than a thing of occurrent events and processes.
| 6378 | Teleological functions explain why a trait exists; causal-role functions say what it does [Polger] |
| 6379 | A mummified heart has the teleological function of circulating blood [Polger] |
| 6381 | The mind and the self are one, and the mind-self is a biological phenomenon [Polger] |
| 6375 | The taste of chocolate is a 'finer-grained' sensation than the taste of sweetness [Polger] |
| 6377 | Teleological notions of function say what a thing is supposed to do [Polger] |
| 6380 | Identity theory says consciousness is an abstraction: a state, event, process or property [Polger] |