more from John Heil

Single Idea 7027

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / C. Functionalism / 1. Functionalism]

Full Idea

A central tenet of functionalism is that objects can be dispositionally indiscernible but differ qualitatively as much as you please.

Clarification

A 'tenet' is a basic opinion

Gist of Idea

Functionalists say objects can be the same in disposition but differ in quality

Source

John Heil (From an Ontological Point of View [2003], 11.3)

Book Reference

Heil,John: 'From an Ontological Point of View' [OUP 2005], p.115


A Reaction

This refers to the multiple realisability of functions. Presumably we reconcile essentialism with the functionalist view by saying that dispositions result from combinations of qualities. A unique combination of qualities will necessitate a disposition.