Mental States and Processes

Mental states and processes refer to our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and desires, which are considered key components of our mental life. Functionalism, a theory in philosophy of mind, suggests that these mental states are defined not by their internal composition (like neurons firing) but by their roles and functions within our cognitive system. Essentially, it posits that what matters is how these states interact and contribute to behavior, rather than the specific substances or structures that realize them. This allows for a more flexible understanding of the mind that could apply across different entities, including machines.