CF Debate

Targets functionalism

Serves primarily to target functionalism positions in philosophy of mind, but may also be applied elsewhere. See here for discussion of positions.

8 challenging

Challenging Arguments (8)

US Economy Argument

Under CF, any sufficiently complex system, like an economy, could be conscious, however abstract.

Identity, Epiphenomenalism, Entity predictions, Targets functionalism

Problem of Many Minds

Sub-algorithms of a CF algorithm may constitute independent minds themselves.

Identity, Epiphenomenalism, Computational, Targets functionalism

Absent Qualia / Zombie Argument

It seems possible for a being to be functionally identical to a person but have no inner experience.

Conceivability, Phenomenology, Targets functionalism

Causal Exclusion Arguments

If physics fully explains behaviour, there's no causal role left for higher-level functional properties.

Targets functionalism, Ontology

Inverted Spectrum Arguments

Two people could have different subjective experiences (e.g., seeing different colors) while being functionally identical.

Conceivability, Phenomenology, Targets functionalism

Functional Definition Circularity

Defining mental states in terms of other mental states creates circular definitions that may undermine functionalism.

Methodology, Targets functionalism

Physics Violations

Consciousness requires tracking patterns over time, but fundamental physics equations only depend on the current state.

Key Argument, Targets functionalism

Proper Influences

Computational functionalism holds that consciousness is a matter of implementing the right algorithm

Conceivability, Targets functionalism