In This Selection Churchland Examines Functionalism and the Two Prominent

question 7

Multiple Choice

In this selection Churchland examines functionalism and the two prominent versions of materialism in philosophy of mind. Reductivism claims that there is an identity of mental states with brain states. Functionalism rejects any one-to-one correlation between mental types and physical types and concentrates on the relationship between inputs and outputs. For example, the mental event of pain could be similar in two beings that have altogether different types of bodies and brains. Most functionalists are materialists, but someone could be a functionalist and be a nonmaterialist. Eliminative materialism is more radical than either of these other theories and seeks to eliminate "folk psychology"-talk of beliefs, feelings, and perceptions-in favor of more scientific descriptions of what is going on in the brain. Churchland concludes that the truth may be a combination of the two materialist theories, although the evidence points more in the direction of eliminativism.
-According to Nagel, if the subjective character of experience is fully comprehensible from only one point of view, then any move toward greater objectivity will

• A) take us closer to the real nature of the phenomenon.
• B) not take us closer to the real nature of the phenomenon.
• C) give us the whole truth.
• D) reveal the hidden characteristics of the experience.

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Definitions:

Socialization Process

The method by which individuals learn and adapt to the norms and behaviors appropriate to their role within a society or organization.

Strong Cultures

Organizational environments characterized by shared values, beliefs, and norms that strongly influence the behavior of individuals within the group.

Debasement

The reduction or lowering in value, quality, or character, often occurring through degradation or humiliation.

Hazing

The practice of imposing difficult or humiliating tasks on new members of a group as a form of initiation.