Single Idea 3011

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / C. Functionalism / 4. Causal Functionalism]

Full Idea

Everybody is a functionalist, in that we all hold that mental states are individuated, at least in part, by reference to their causal powers.

Clarification

'Individuated' means 'assigned identifying features'

Gist of Idea

Causal powers must be a crucial feature of mental states

Source

Jerry A. Fodor (Psychosemantics [1987], p.138)

Book Reference

Fodor,Jerry A.: 'Psychosemantics' [MIT 1993], p.138


A Reaction

I might individuate the Prime Minister by the carnation in his buttonhole. However, even a dualist must concede that we individuate mental faculties by their role within the mind.