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Single Idea 3461

[from 'The Rediscovery of the Mind' by John Searle, in 17. Mind and Body / C. Functionalism / 1. Functionalism ]

Full Idea

Functionalism has been rejuvenated by being joined to externalist causal theories of reference.

Gist of Idea

Functionalists like the externalist causal theory of reference

Source

John Searle (The Rediscovery of the Mind [1992], Ch. 2.VIII)

Book Reference

Searle,John R.: 'The Rediscovery of the Mind' [MIT 1999], p.49


A Reaction

This, however, seems to be roughly the reason why Putnam gave up his functionalist theory. See Ideas 2332 and 2071. However the causal network of mind can incorporate environmental features.

Related Ideas

Idea 2332 Functionalism can't explain reference and truth, which are needed for logic [Putnam]

Idea 2071 If concepts have external meaning, computational states won't explain psychology [Putnam]