more from David M. Armstrong

Single Idea 7438

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

Full Idea

I now think, following Lycan, that my Causal theory of mentality would be strengthened (perhaps eliminating some potential counter-examples) by the addition of a teleological element.

Clarification

'Teleology' involves purpose

Gist of Idea

A causal theory of mentality would be improved by a teleological element

Source

David M. Armstrong (Pref to new 'Materialist Theory' [1992], p.xviii)

Book Reference

Armstrong,D.M.: 'A Materialist Theory of Mind' [Routledge 1993], p.-6


A Reaction

For Lycan, see Idea 6533. Armstrong has begun to realise that merely specifying the causal role of a mental state is too thin as an explanation. Teleology widens the notion of function. I also want to know about the properties that make it possible.

Related Idea

Idea 6533 Mental types are a subclass of teleological types at a high level of functional abstraction [Lycan]