Philosophy A-Level
Functionalism
What Functionalism means in Philosophy A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Functionalism
The theory that mental states are defined by their causal roles (inputs, outputs, and relations to other mental states) rather than their internal constitution.
Topics that use Functionalism
- Metaphysics of mind (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Category Mistake
- Eliminative Materialism
- Epiphenomenalism
- Folk Psychology
- Leibniz's Law
- Multiple Realizability
- Non-reductive Physicalism
- Property Dualism
Using Functionalism in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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