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Single Idea 7518

[filed under theme 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 4. Folk Psychology ]

Full Idea

The portrait of folk psychology as a network of causal laws dovetailed neatly with the emerging philosophy of mind called functionalism.

Gist of Idea

If folk psychology gives a network of causal laws, that fits neatly with functionalism

Source

Paul M. Churchland (Folk Psychology [1996], II)

Book Ref

Churchland,Paul and Patricia: 'On the Contrary: critical essays 1987-1997' [MIT 1998], p.7


A Reaction

And from the lower levels functionalism is supported by the notion that the brain is modular. Note the word 'laws'; this implies an underlying precision in folk psychology, which is then easily attacked. Maybe the network is too complex for simple laws.


The 5 ideas from Paul M. Churchland

Folk psychology may not be reducible, but that doesn't make it false [Kirk,R on Churchland,PM]
Eliminative materialism says folk psychology will be replaced, not reduced [Churchland,PM]
If folk psychology gives a network of causal laws, that fits neatly with functionalism [Churchland,PM]
Many mental phenomena are totally unexplained by folk psychology [Churchland,PM]
Folk psychology never makes any progress, and is marginalised by modern science [Churchland,PM]