more from Daniel C. Dennett

Single Idea 7371

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / C. Functionalism / 6. Homuncular Functionalism]

Full Idea

All varieties of functionalism can be viewed as 'homuncular' functionalism of one grain size or another.

Clarification

A 'homunculus' is a little man within the mind

Gist of Idea

All functionalism is 'homuncular', of one grain size or another

Source

Daniel C. Dennett (Consciousness Explained [1991], 9.2)

Book Reference

Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Consciousness Explained' [Penguin 1993], p.262


A Reaction

This seems right, as any huge and complex mechanism (like a moon rocket) will be made up of some main systems, then sub-systems, then sub-sub-sub.... This assumes that there are one or two overarching purposes, which there are in people.