Logical behaviorism and identity theory are both precursors to the functionalist view of the mind. In this essay, you are to explain how the deficits in logical behaviorism and identity were addressed in the functionalist view of the mind. In doing this, you will need to: Explain the view of the mind endorsed by both logical behaviorism and identity theory (as explained in Hempels, A Logical Analysis of Psychology and Smarts, Sensations and Brain Processes, respectively) and the rationale behind these views of the mind (i.e. why the authors believe their view is the correct view of the mind/mental states). Explain what the functionalists found problematic about each of these two views (these problems are discussed in Fodors The Mind-Body Problem and in lecture) Explain what the functionalist view of mental states is (what they are metaphysically, how they get defined, etc., as described in Block, What is Functionalism?) Explain how the functionalist view of the mind overcomes the identified problems with logical behaviorism and identity theory. Please remember what was discussed in class about how to write and explain things well! Make sure all steps of reasoning are clearly laid out and the points in the paper all flow together to make a coherent essay. Factors considered in your paper grade: Paper structure: The structure of your paper makes it easy to follow the flow of your ideas, and the reader is aware of what you are doing at all points in the paper. Even though this is not an argumentative paper, you should still include a thesis statement of what you will be doing in the paper. Completion: You include all parts of the question (argument, objection, response) Clarity: All points are WELL EXPLAINED (pretend like you need to convince someone who has never encountered these readings before). You should not use quotations unless you think the precise way an author said something is important (so very rarely will this be the case). The goal is for you to explain the arguments and ideas yourself, not to simply repeat what the author wrote. If you do use quotations, you need to explain in your own words what the author means.
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