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Single Idea 3188

[from 'Contemporary Philosophy of Mind' by Georges Rey, in 17. Mind and Body / C. Functionalism / 6. Homuncular Functionalism ]

Full Idea

So-called 'homuncular functionalism' (such as Freud's or Plato's internal struggles of the soul) needn't lead to an infinite regress if eventually the homunculi become so stupid they could be replaced by a machine.

Clarification

'Homuncular' means 'involving little people inside the big person'

Gist of Idea

Homuncular functionalism (e.g. Freud) could be based on simpler mechanical processes

Source

Georges Rey (Contemporary Philosophy of Mind [1997], 7.2.2)

Book Reference

Rey,Georges: 'Contemporary Philosophy of Mind' [Blackwell 1997], p.195


A Reaction

from Fodor