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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 Ref
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.
| 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] |