Why is functionalism better than brain-state physicalism?
• It allows us to consider (as we do) that creatures with different brains than our own may feel pain. • Observed behaviour arising gives us more reason to believe that organisms share the same functional organization than it gives us reason to believe that they have the same internal physical structure • Functionalism is not Behaviourism • The function of pain is not always shown in behaviour. • One can refrain from acting on pain if one has other interests. • The state of being in pain is part of the overall state of the organism, which is where behaviour is seen. • Question: Why, or why not, should we consider this theory a theory of physicalism? Back to top. John R. Searle • Searle is a critic of the artificial intelligence program. • Searle is not advocating dualism. He believes that there is something special about the brain that creates consciousness. It is consistent with his view to believe that it is possible for other, natural systems to become conscious. • Three Theses of t
