more from Thomas W. Polger

Single Idea 6377

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 3. Natural Function]

Full Idea

Teleological notions of function specify not just what a thing happens to do, but what it is supposed to do.

Clarification

'Teleological' means to do with purpose

Gist of Idea

Teleological notions of function say what a thing is supposed to do

Source

Thomas W. Polger (Natural Minds [2004], Ch.5.3)

Book Reference

Polger,Thomas W.: 'Natural Minds' [MIT 2004], p.165


A Reaction

This is the basis of a distinct theory of the mind. It seems to be akin to the 'dispositions' of behaviourism, so that the mind becomes once more a theoretical and abstract entity, rather than a thing of occurrent events and processes.