Functionalist theories Essay

The functionalist theory posits that the society is composed of interconnected split which function similar a societal system. In a society, there argon parts that work in a similar manner the tender ashes works as a system made of variant variety meat. The organs of a society be the social institutions that are class up to work together to ensure that the society runs smoothly. Such institutions include schools and family set ups. Levin (2009, para 3) defines functionalism as the doctrine that what makes something a thought, desire, disorder (or any separate type of mental domain) depends not on its internal constitution, but solo on its function. As such, functionalism theories describe the mental state as a function of behavior, stimulation of senses or other states of the sense. For cause, it is possible to say that pain results from injury in the proboscis thus symbolizing that something is not carrying out as expected and therefore the body desires to be out of the awing state. The functionalist theory is not restricted to creatures that deliver a mental state and basis be applicable in silicon-based conditions. That is why the different states of instinct can be said to be multiply realized.Physical states as tumefy as non- sensual states are viewed as able to cause a specific mental state. This is why Levin (2009) finds functionalism being similar to dualism. Under functionalism theories, there are theories that the mental states are said to give a commentary of what our mental state descriptions mean. Other theories under functionalism provide that mental states can be characterized according to facts proved through scientific experimentations. Different social scientists have made different contributions to the functionalist theory.Aristotle is among the earliest ancestors of functionalism. Aristotle came up with the theory of the thought where he argued that the soul of a human being cannot exist free-lance of the body and thus the soul forms the natural part of the entire human body. The soul is therefore a combination of powers that help the body to declaim itself. The human body as a system functions to enable extract (living) as well as to reason thereby acting as necessary. Aristotle therefore finds the soul as a part of the human body which cannot be separated.In addition, the soul empowers the body to live as well as perceive stimuli with subsequent action. Hobbes (1651) is also recognized as peerless of the important contributors to functionalism. Hobbes takes a mechanistic approach of the state of mind by arguing that human abstract thought is comparable to arithmetic computation with adhesiveness to arithmetic rules. Hobbes proceeds to argue that human reasoning as a function is not restricted to human minds only and instead physical systems also possess the capacity to carry out reasoning.As such, machines are able to carry out the functions that are similar to that of a reasoning mind . Levin (2009) cites that Hobbes arguments were accepted in the twentieth century where social scientists realized that different physical creatures can perform the thinking function since thinking per se is controlled by functions similar to computation. Jean Piaget is an influential social scientist who had a functionalist view. Piaget (1896-1980) was a developmental psychologist who looked into the thinking in children.Piaget posited that new born have reflexes that are responsible for behavior control in other species throughout life. The reflexes in infants enable adaptation thus they are replaced by complex schemes as the infant grows. Assimilation processes occur to enable the environment match with the singles cognitive structures. On the other hand, an accommodation process involves the cognitive structures being modified to adapt changes in the environment. Piaget therefore came up with tetrad cognitive development stages.These include sensorimotor stage, preoperational stage, concrete operational bod and formal operational phase (Huitt & Hummel, 2003). It is therefore evident that complexity of behaviors is vertical and so are the adaptation mechanisms. Social scientists have contributed significantly to ongoing learning theory by forming the basis for development of schooling programs that are accommodative of human beings at all stages of life. Piagets theory for instance is the foundational theory for pre-school programs as well as programs for primary school students.In addition, the theory also provides a basis for constructivist learning (Huitt & Hummel, 2003). Aristotles and Hobbess theories are foundational to behaviorism whether logical or machine state. All these have expanded the field of cognitive psychological science. Indeed, functionalist theories will remain invaluable in psychology as evidenced by the usefulness of the functionalist theories developed by Aristotle, Hobbes and Piaget. At the same time, the theories will remain d ebatable as dour as social scientists continue with their endeavor to understand human mind and behavior.Functionalist theories will also be at the center of understanding the psychology of learning. References Huitt, W. , and Hummel, J. (2003). Piagets theory of cognitive development. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA Valdosta verbalise University. Retrieved 19, July 2010 from http//www. edpsycinteractive. org/topics/cogsys/piaget. html Levin, J. (2009). Functionalism. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved 19, July 2010 from http//plato. stanford. edu/entries/functionalism/