Understanding Functionalism and Philosophical Theories

What does functionalism primarily suggest about mental states?

• They are observable actions only.

• They are states that link experiences to behaviors.

• They are irrelevant to philosophical discussions.

• They are fixed states unaltered by external events.

Why do philosophers question the existence of genes?

• Because genes are unobservable with unaided senses.

• Because genes are fully understood and explained.

• Because genes do not affect physical traits.

• Because genes can be directly observed.

What was Isaac Newton's stance on hypotheses in experimental philosophy?

• They should be the core of scientific studies.

• They are unnecessary if not derived from observable phenomena.

• They are less important than metaphysical explanations.

• They should be used frequently to explain natural phenomena.

What does behaviorism primarily focus on?

• Observable behavior and its environmental causes.

• Internal unobservable mental states.

• Complex cognitive functions and abstract thinking.

• Theoretical entities that cannot be observed.

What is the 'problem of other minds' primarily concerned with?

• Determining if other beings have minds based on behavior.

• Proving that other minds do not exist.

• Ignoring all external behaviors in psychological assessments.

• Focusing solely on one's own mental experiences.

How did Frank Ramsey propose to connect unobservable entities to observable phenomena?

• By ignoring all unobservable entities.

• By replacing terms for unobservables with variables in a theory.

• By using metaphysical hypotheses.

• By creating a comprehensive theory including all phenomena.

What is the main goal of applying Ramsey's method to psychology?

• To connect mental states with their functional roles in behavior.

• To prove that psychological theories are incorrect.

• To eliminate all psychological theories.

• To define mental states solely by their observable effects.

What is a potential issue with functionalism as highlighted by the concept of zombies?

• Functionalism fully accounts for the existence and behavior of zombies.

• Zombies prove that functionalism is the most accurate psychological theory.

• Zombies are usually observable and thus align with functionalist views.

• Zombies could function like humans but lack consciousness, challenging functionalism.