Fred Dretske: As a proponent of realizer functionalism, Fred Dretske argued that mental states are realized by their underlying physical processes. Block's position has contributed to the debate on functionalism by challenging the assumption that mental states can be fully understood in terms of their functions and causal roles.ĥ. Ned Block: Ned Block is known for his criticism of functionalism, particularly his argument for the distinction between access consciousness and phenomenal consciousness. His work has played a significant role in shaping the debate on functionalism by highlighting the complexity and specificity of mental functions.Ĥ. As a proponent of role functionalism, Fodor emphasized the specialized functions of mental processes and their distinct roles in cognition. Jerry Fodor: Jerry Fodor is a key figure in functionalism who has contributed to the field through his arguments for the modularity of mind.

Putnam's work has been influential in emphasizing the relationship between mental states and their physical realizations, thereby contributing to the understanding of functionalism in the philosophy of mind.ģ. He argued that mental states are not solely defined by their functional roles, but also by their physical properties. Hilary Putnam: Hilary Putnam is known for his advocacy of realizer functionalism, which focuses on the physical realizations of mental states. Lewis's work has significantly shaped the debate on functionalism by highlighting the role of causal relations in mental processes.Ģ. He emphasized the importance of understanding mental states in terms of their functions and relationships to other mental states. David Lewis: As a proponent of role functionalism, David Lewis argued that mental states are defined by their causal roles in cognitive processes. Overall, the historical background of functionalism in psychology is characterized by a shift towards understanding the adaptive functions of behavior and mental processes, with key figures such as William James, Dewey, Carr, Angell, and Thorndike shaping the development of the theory.ġ. Edward Thorndike, known for his work on learning and behaviorism, also contributed to the development of functionalism. James Rowland Angell, another influential figure, served as the president of the American Psychological Association and made significant contributions to the study of behavior and mental processes from a functionalist perspective. Carr, who further developed the functionalist perspective. Influential figures in the development of functionalism included John Dewey, a philosopher and psychologist who emphasized the importance of studying the organism as a whole in its environment, and Harvey A. The theory gained traction at the University of Chicago and Columbia University, where experimental psychology was a central focus. William James, an American philosopher and psychologist, played a significant role in the development of functionalism, emphasizing the practical and adaptive functions of behavior. Functionalism emerged as a school of thought in psychology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a reaction to structuralism and the focus on the structure of mental processes.

The structural functional theory