Lecture 4 Flashcards
(25 cards)
Main assumptions of Functionalism
1- Mental states are identical to their functions
2- The functions of mental states are characterized by what causes them, what they cause, and their relation to to other mental states.
Multiple realizability in terms of functionalism
1- Results of the same type of mental state are results of the same function. ( Mental states can be identical due to their function)
2- The same type of mental state can be realized by multiple brain states but can have one function.
Functionalism vs Type/Token identity theory
1- In contrast to type identitiy theory functionalism recognizes the multiple realizability of mental states.
2- Compatible with token identitiy but doesn’t lack explanatory power. Argues that different brain states are realizers of the same mental state due to their functions.
How does the Turing Machine relate to Psychology?
1- Turing machine can perform any mathematical computaions by using a set of rules. It uses the designated functions of the symbols input.
2- Functionalism defends the same functions remain the same and people’s behavior can be interpreted according to it.
What’s the problem with the Turing machine theory?
1- Humans are not always in one mental state they might have thoughts interrupting in addition to perceptual experience.
Analytic functionalism
explains mental states defining them through their functional rules
Empirical functionalism
explains mental states based on scientific observation
Psycho-functionalism
It uses detailed psychological models and theories to explain the functional roles of mental states.
Arguments that challenge functionalism
1- Functional definition
2- Multifunctionality
3-Zombie argument
4- Explanatory gap
Functional deifnition
How is it possible to define exactly the function of different mental state types?
EX: Is there a causal role that is common to all and only pains? (analytic and empirical functionalism)
Multifunctionality
One can have the same mental state with different functions due to the physical properties of the organism, brain, and body and their environment are relevant.
Zombie Argument
1- Functionalism defends that if something behaves like a human it should have the same mental states.
2- The zombie argument claims that philosophical zombies are conceivable and therefore it is possible to have such a being functioning the same without having the same mental states.
Chauvinism
Failure to ascribe mental states to beings who clearly have them (Multiple functionality)
-Superiority of humans
Liberalism
Ascribing mental states to beings who clealry do not have them.
Explanatory gap
Functionalism can explain how mental states work but fails to explain the subjective experince.
Ex: The process and result of the pain is clear but what it is like to feel pain is not explained.
What is computationalism?
Human minds function like a computers. The brain follows certain rules while interpreting information.
Language of computationalism
1- Symbols: stand-in for something else (letters etc)
ex: simple symbol: cat , complex symbol: the cat is cute
2- Syntatical properties : physical properties to recognize symbols
ex : why 1 is different than 0.
3-Semantic properties: meaning of a symbol
ex: 0= off, 1=on
Brain and mind according to computationalism
brain = hardware
mind =software
Thinking machines
Computers can have mental states because mental states are not defined by their realizers they are defined by their functions.
Challanges that computationalism faces?
1- Mind as computer programs
2- Thinking machines
Mind as computer programs
1- Computationalism explains human thinking in terms of scientific discovery which is the result of human thinking.
2- What are the symbols of human thiinking
3- Unable to account for phenomenal consciousness
Thinking machines
1- Machines can think as they manipulate symbols based on a fixed set of rules. Is this really thinking and knowing? (Chinese room experiment)
Weak AI:
Computers can simulate human intelligence, but they don’t posses such intelligence.
Strong AI
Computers don’t merely simulate human intelligence, actually posses human-like intelligence
