Why Functionalism Is A Better Theory Than Identity Theory

In this essay, I am going to write a response to the objection raised by the functionalists towards identity theory. Identity theory is a form of physicalism; it states that a particular mental state is identical to a particular physical state of body and brain, for instance mental sensation such as pain is simply just the firing of C-fibres (Smart, 1959). This is a reductionist view as it reduces our psychological state to a materialistic and physical form. A prominent objection against identity theory is Functionalism, in which the main advocate Hilary Putnam stated that identity theory is too narrow as it ignores multiple realisability. In the next paragraph, I will write a little more about functionalism, and in the end, I will ultimately conclude that functionalism is a better theory than identity theory. Putnam claims that what makes up a psychological state can vary between different species (Putnam, 1975). He then attempted to undermine the validity of identity theory with the examples of octopi and aliens. Octopi and aliens have brains that are made up of totally different material, yet they can still function the same. Hence he came to the conclusion that we shouldn’t look at what our mental states are made up of, but rather their function, which is that they cause particular behaviours. By saying mental states are functional states, and not brain states, you are accepting the possibility of brainless systems having mental states (Block, 1978). One type ofShow MoreRelatedRene Descartes Concept Of Dualism And Then Defend My Preferred Alternative Among The Options Paul M. Churchland1513 Words   |  7 Pagesbody can causally interact, and its failure to respond to the observation that brain damage impairs the mind. Finally, I will explain why Functionalism is the best alt ernative to Cartesian Dualism. In essence, Cartesian Dualism attempts to solve the mind-body problem – that is, what is the relationship between the mind and the body? The answer, according to this theory, is that the mind and the body are two distinctly different substances that constitute each person. Here, â€Å"mind† can be describedRead MoreFrank Jackson Functionalism Essay1403 Words   |  6 Pagesthe main focus will be on functionalism and its theory from the philosopher Hilary Putnam. This essay will explain what functionalism is and will show examples of functionalism and how it is used in daily in people’s lifestyles. Putnam’s theory is a brilliant theory, but has its flaws, which will be explained in more detail down below. The philosopher Frank Jackson has an objection towards functionalism and theory of the mind as a whole. I do believe that functionalism can provide a complete accountRead MoreSchool of Thought1108 Words   |  5 Pagesbegan. 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My own sympathies, supported by arguments like the completeness of physics (Papineau, 2001) –among others- and empirical research is with the physicalist approach. However, one of the problems with physicalism is its reductivism. For example, there is the claim that consciousness is no more than a brain processRead MoreThe Problem Of Separation And Dualism1399 Words   |  6 Pagesview is the identity theory (Place, 1956, Smart, 1959)) So as not to prejudge these problems it may be better to talk of the ‘metaphysics of consciousness’ rather than the ‘mind-body problem’. My own sympathies, supported by arguments like the completeness of physics (Papineau, 2001) –among others- and empirical research is with the physicalist approach. However, one of the problems with physicalism is its reductivism. For example, there is the claim that consciousness is no more than a brain processRead MoreIs The Mind Body Problem?1219 Words   |  5 PagesPhilosophy is a complex field that tries to better understand the world we live in. There have been a multitude of amazing philosophers that have helped shaped the world around us, all of which have had their own single beliefs. One of their main issues faced in philosophy is the mind-body problem, and philosophers are still trying to solve this predicament to this day. The mind-brain problem is trying better to understand whether a person’s m ental processes are the same as their physical processesRead MoreDualism And Its Effects On The World1870 Words   |  8 Pagesfight for survival, elegant physical theories have given us a deeper understanding of the universe itself; having opened Pandora s Box, most of us are ready to hail the rise of Physicalism, confident that we will soon have a complete understanding of the world and all its workings. But despite its success in nearly every other area, the physicalist worldview meets with a particular problem in the area of the mind. While elegant and sometimes-convincing theories have been put forth to rid our philosophy

Destiny free essay sample

â€Å"The ways of destiny are often ruled to our advantage, though in opposition to our wishes.† (Quentin Durward, Sir Walter Scott) When I was a child, life was perfect. Things came easier to me than they did to others, and growing up in a third-world country didn’t affect me. My parents could afford high-end elementary schools, where women from England taught me English, where I rose through the ranks and among the students like a natural born leader. Everything was perfect, as I considered myself to be too. One dismal day, my parents broke the news that we would move to America. All my angry young mind could think about were the friends and comfortable life I would leave behind. But be it by destiny or by my parents’ free will, the choice was made for me, and looking back now, my mother and father sacrificed much more than I did to assure me a better education, a better upbringing, a better life. We will write a custom essay sample on Destiny or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The years passed and even in this different world I was at the top of my class. I was full of myself and I looked down on those who didn’t do as well as I did. This was how life found me when it struck a second time, and the school nurse informed me that I had severe scoliosis. Unnoticeably, my spine had gradually deteriorated, and with it, so did my â€Å"perfection.† The doctors spoke of operations, but my parents wouldn’t hear of it. Anxiety gripped those around me and my confidence wavered: I was still the same, yet fundamentally different. For four years and twenty-one hours a day, I wore a back brace that limited my mobility, crushed my skin, and imprisoned my body. The pain of the brace nearly drove me mad; daily it bruised me under its heavy pressure and, on occasion, completely numbed limbs to the point where simply paying attention in class was almost impossible. At night, sharp pangs like those of lying on rocks kept me awake, but my will to defeat the distortion only grew. In public, I hid from the curious gazes of those who didn’t understand my â€Å"armor,† but soon I realized how lucky I was to have moved to America. I knew others like me in Romania who, because of other kids’ harsh bullying, gave up on their back brace and their chances of recovery. The longer I wore the back brace, the more my priorities changed. I started to recognize that a beautiful character is paramount to outdoing others, and that everybody has gifts, whether they are visible or not. Whenever I see anyone with a handicap, I know inside there is a heart full of life, wanting and waiting to give and receive love like anybody else. For a long time, I felt indignant toward the future that destiny doomed me to, but over time, I have realized that this adversity has made me who I am. Without this great test in my life, I wouldn’t have discovered my capacity to endure pain, to understand others beyond what’s on the sur face, and to break past my limits of empathy. Destiny free essay sample I will never forget that belt- the long, black, strip with giant rhinestones. I will never forget how it tore across my skin- my numbing hands attempting to block its path- and flooded eyes. My salty tears trickled below me, fogging my view. I saw nothing but my bed below me, in between my curling fingers. I kept telling myself that it would be over soon; nothing lasts forever. I had never been beaten before I moved here but there’s a first time for everything. I remember the sorrow and rage I felt. There I was at twelve-years-old taking a whipping from my step-mother who I barely even knew; meanwhile, my father- who I also barely knew- was standing outside of the door listening. I wasn’t sure if I regretted my decision; I was unsure if I should confess. I had been living in Alabama with my father, step-mother, and step-sister for about two months; my real family, my mother and sister, were back home in Maryland, not knowing what I was going through. We will write a custom essay sample on Destiny? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page After being mistreated on a daily basis and having my privacy taken away- my step mother had installed cameras in my bedroom, read my diaries, told me that I would grow up to be a street-walker (I didn’t know what that meant until she told me), monitored me while I was using the phone or internet, and beaten me daily- I decided that I had to take action. At school in the computer lab, I logged onto a chat website that I was fond of; I messaged my friend/neighbor from Maryland about some things that were going on- I felt uncomfortable sharing details. My friend and I used to go on the website daily but she hadn’t been on since I left to Alabama so I was unsure if she would get the message or not. She didn’t. Three days later, my step mom said she knew that I was on the website and she made me write down my username and password so that she could check up on me. I sat on my bed as she read the messages aloud to my father. They looked at me with their cruel eyes a nd told me that I knew I wasn’t allowed to be on the computer without one of them watching what I say. Terrified, I did what I thought was best; I lied. I told them that I had told one of my friends from my new school to log on for me and write the messages. I didn’t know what else to say; I was scared for my life. My step mother and my father didn’t believe me at all; everybody knew that I had a special way of writing things. In short, that’s when I got beat the worst. I would not confess. I figured the punishment for lying would be worse than that. It went on for about forty-five minutes and then we went to eat dinner. I could barely sit down. Then, it started again. My skin tore. The next day, they came to my school and talked to my administrator and teachers. They told my computer teacher that I had been talking to old men that I didn’t know on the internet. There was nothing I could say. I sat and cried in the main office while students stare d at me as they walked into school. My administrator came and talked to me. He said that he could prove that my friend hadn’t used the computer by searching what time the computer was accessed and looking at our classes. I was mortified. After about five minutes of his lecture, I gave up and confessed. I was horrified about what kind of punishment I would receive when I got home. I completed the school day and told some of the kids at school parts of what happened. My friends were scared for me. It didn’t matter, it would be the last day I ever set foot at that school; I eventually moved back with my mother and sister. My experience has definitely changed me. For one thing, I realized what I will do when I’m older; I am going to be a psychologist for mistreated and misunderstood teenagers. I’ve always had a passion for helping people but now I can foresee a future doing it. I realize that some children I will work with will be reluctant to open up to me b ut I understand and I’ll be able to handle it. I know now that I can overcome any obstacle, no matter what it is. If accepted into this university, I will better the student body by helping to maintain its reputation of an astounding educational facility. I know that here, I can receive the proper education to better help people. I believe that I can change lives, I just need the chance.