In This Selection Churchland Examines Functionalism and the Two Prominent

question 12

True/False

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.
-Nagel believes that knowledge of what it is like to be a bat can be acquired through scientific investigation.

---

Definitions:

Positive Reasons

Justifications or motivations for an action or belief that are beneficial or advantageous.

Principle Of Least Interest

A theory suggesting that in any relationship, the person who demonstrates the least amount of interest has the most control or power.

Relationship Power

The degree of influence or control one partner has over another in a relationship, which can impact decision-making and dynamics between the individuals.

Fight About Sex

Disagreements or disputes that couples may have regarding aspects of their sexual relationship, which can stem from differences in desires, expectations, or satisfaction.