Single Idea 2576

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

Full Idea

According to functionalism, a system might have the behaviouristic input-output relations, yet not desire something, as this requires internal states with certain causal relations.

Gist of Idea

In functionalism, desires are internal states with causal relations

Source

Ned Block (Troubles with Functionalism [1978], p. 69)

Book Reference

'The Philosophy of Mind', ed/tr. Beakley,B /Ludlow P [MIT 1992], p.69


A Reaction

Such a system might be Putnam's 'superactor', who only behaves as if he desires something. Of course, the internal states might need more than just 'causal relations'.