Single Idea 2589

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

Full Idea

The functional-state hypothesis is not incompatible with dualism, as a system consisting of a body and a soul could meet the required conditions.

Gist of Idea

Functionalism is compatible with dualism, as pure mind could perform the functions

Source

Hilary Putnam (The Nature of Mental States [1968], p.55)

Book Reference

'The Philosophy of Mind', ed/tr. Beakley,B /Ludlow P [MIT 1992], p.55


A Reaction

He doesn't really believe this, of course. This claim led to all the weak objections to functionalism involving silly implementations of minds. A brain is the only plausible way to implement our mental functions.