Functionalism: Mind-Body Problem, Mental States & Consciousness

Overview

• Functionalism is a psychological school of thought from the late 19th century in the United States.
• It was developed as a response to structuralism, focusing on the capabilities and functions of the mind rather than its processes.
• Key figures include psychologists William James and James Rowland Angell, and philosophers George H. Mead, Archibald L. Moore, and John Dewey.
• Emphasized empirical, rational thought and practical applications of research.

Key Concepts

Origin and Development

• Functionalism countered the German structuralism led by Edward B. Titchener.
• It focused on the mind's capabilities over trial-and-error philosophies.

John Dewey

• Developed a laboratory school at the University of Chicago (1896).
• Published "The Reflex Arc Concept in Psychology" (1896), critiquing atomism and elementarism.
• Work inspired the progressive-school movement, applying functionalist principles to education.

Influence

• Functionalism linked structuralism's anatomical focus of the mind to behavioral studies.
• Paved the way for behaviorism, focusing on the functions of the mind.

Related Concepts

Behavioral Theory

• Functionalism served as a link to behaviorism, emphasizing observable behavior over introspection.
• Focused on stimulus-response philosophy as a counter to introspective methods.

Transactional Theory of Perception

• An offshoot of functionalism focusing on learning as key to perception.

Impact on Education

• Functionalism influenced educational theories by focusing on empirical and practical applications.

Notable Contributions

• John Dewey’s application of functionalism in educational settings.
• Development of behavioral theories and stimulus-response models.

References

• The movement was primarily theoretical but had significant practical implications for psychology and education.