The Theory Of Functionalism

The Theory Of Functionalism The theory of functionalism is the oldest, and may also be the most dominant theoretical perspective of sociology. Functionalism agrees that brain states are responsible for mental states, but disagrees that they tend to be identical to each other. It is the argument from a functionalist perspective, that, the brain activity or neurological states are what realizes mental states, which in turn lead to the behavioural output in a physical way. It has a broad variety of positions which it is capable of articulating in many different diverse forms. They can be classified into the following; Analytic functionalism: The most widely used form of functionalism, which describes the causal role as a job description of mental states, which are derived from our concepts. Analytic functionalists claim, that, the specifications for a functional role (job descriptions) for mental states are a priori. The second version is Physchofunctionalism; which rejects the idea of behaviourism in psychology, as well as reject the physical aspect of the mind. The third would be Machine-state functionalism: This analogy was put forward by Hilary Putnam, a well-known American philosopher, who was inspired by the analogies of mind (the Turing machines) which is able to compute all given algorithms. In non-technical terms, the mind is a very complex computer program. It is a state in which given an input B, and such and such tends to happen. An example is when we input a set of numbers into the computer through a keyboard/software. It proposes that brain states are activities which are low level, whilst helping to realize mental states which are high level. To help the reader understand about the idea which was described above, I will use the more common functionalist example to discuss the relationship between the software and the computer. For example, we type the numbers 5 plus 8, on the one level (low level), the computer is dependent on the software for input. The software within the computer is calculating the answer to the numbers entered, while at the other level (high level), the information is output on the screen. In this instance, the functionalists would argue that the process of calculation would be released by the hardware (monitor). Therefore, the software which is used by the hardware, acts as the function role. This computer example can be used to translate into the terms of the brain. The mental states are dependent on the brain states in the same way, as the computers software is dependent on the computerÃÆ' ¯Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¿Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ½s hardware for the output of the information (monitor) and vice versa. In the functionalists view, the brain states help to realise the mental states which functions as a total functional system. With this, it is meant that the mind is made up of the total possible functional mental states that it can have. These will interact with the inputs (software), and the hardware (monitor) together, before they both produce the outputs. Functionalists say that if we think of mental states in a similar way, then maybe one day the machine may do the thinking or be artificially intelligent. This way, we could compare our process of thinking to a computer software, which in turn could run on several different machines. The concept for a machine is the concept of an artificial intelligence. This intelligence can be classified as weak AI or strong AI. This type of intelligence would make it possible that one day a computer could be invented with a mind of its own. In other words, it would think, imagine, and reason. It could eventually do all the things we associate with the human brain. In a weak AI example, it is argued that the intelligence of a computer appears to think on its own, but it is actually unconscious the same way human brains are. In the weak AI, just like in the human brain, an input must occur in order to produce an output. When comparing functionalism with dualism for example, it has obvious strengths. Functionalism tries to explain behaviour, rather than just observing it. It uses the physical world to explain the mental states, combining physical inputs with the outputs, rather than segregating the physical world from the mind. In Dualism for example, mental and physical states are both separate, in general terms, the two cannot be assimilated to form one unit (Levin, 2009). One of the most famous philosophers in the 17th century, Descartes, who considered himself a Dualist, also argued against the thought of mechanical and mind properties to be the same (Cottingham, p. 221, 2012). His notion led him to believe that the mind and the body could indeed exist without one another. Then again, how could the mind operate without the physical? This would not be possible. For example, if we take pain as an example. Pain just does not happen in our brain. Pain can be identified with something material (physical) which sends a neurological message to our brain that something hurts (mental). As you can see, the physical and mental aspects correlate, rather than act separately. Another strength of functionalism, is that a functional system can be realisable in multiple ways. For example, if we refer back to the computer analogy, the same computer software should be usable on different computers. Potentially, computers could have minds similar to ours, as long as they can perform the some functions as us. On the other hand, some philosophers think functionalist accounts of mental states tend to be too liberal. For some, it is a mistake for a computer and its software to have the same mental states as a human. Some of these philosophers have argued that a computer and software would be unable to show genuine emotions. It would also be incapable of consciousness without someone inputting information e.g. typing the numbers 5 plus 8 into the software. Functionalism seems to omit the qualia of emotion or any consciousness in the process. This could be in part that is includes non-living things, as possible mental states. Some critics of functionalism do argue that mental states of living things (humans) or systems (computers) ought to include an account of qualia (emotions and consciousness). Another objection to functionalism would be that computers are non-living, it doesnt not use its own incoming information for their behaviour as do humans and other living things (non-human animals). In regards to non-living things, they are not systems or living things which rely on survival; and they do not have self-interests of their own. These are some of the considerations which objectors argue for, and call for functionalism to refine its theory. The minimum would be to try and distinguish the living things from the non-living. Would the objection to functionalism be answered if we were to imagine the mind as if it were unified? Perhaps one could look at individual mental states and imagine that some of them could portray certain aspects? i.e. memory and solving problems, but no kind of emotion or consciousness. If the computer for example would portray any of the above mentioned such as memory or solving problems by itself, one would not speak of the computer with having a mind or not. One would speak of the computer as having been able to solve a problem and using its capacity for memory to store the data etc. Would one ask a cat if it has a mind, although, one would rather enquire about its capacity for memory, its deception etc. The strengths and weaknesses have been stated for functionalism. It is an odd theory that non-living things could give rise to different mental events. In order for us to understand on how our mind works, we need to understand these processes. Only one type of brain state is needed according to functionalism, in order to correlate with events in our brain. It also seems, that, functionalism is dependent on things which are physical rather than involving mental events from the outset. It certainly leaves out emotions and thinking. The basis for functionalism seems to be input output only. Lets say, someone steps on a pin and they shout. The functionalists view seems to indicate that artificial beings and systems could produce their own consciousness and thoughts. Even if technological advancements of great magnitude can be made, a machine could not replicate the feelings and thoughts of a human. These examples would include stress, anxiety, nervousness etc.. It would be odd to think that a machine could be producing a personality that feels nervous or has a moral obligation to things. It perhaps maybe the case that functionalists are digging really deep in order to find and justify their theory on mental states and mental events.

Business Management Monica Ashley

Implementing Strategic Change: Monica Ashley’s Experience â€Å"The Monica Ashley Case† illustrates a very conclusive example of how the correct use of power and influence in management is as important as, and sometimes even more important than, having all the right answers and being able to back them up with data. Power struggle, influence, politics, and resistance are all issues within this case study. It also prozides an example that witin project management it is essential to determine the key players, figure out what is important to them and utilize strategic management skills to influence the project. Monica Ashley, a highly driven and ambitious woman was the project manager of â€Å"Project Hippocrates† at HEAL-INC. She had individual power to use the company’s resources and people to accomplish job related tasks and duties. She initially had concerns about taking on the position however, with the personal encouragement and backing by the president of the company, Gary Dorr, she accepted. As the project manager, Monica had access and control over information such as reporting and data supporting the idea of purchasing a digital signal processor from an outside vendor. She also had information about the changes of customer needs and the competitor’s reactions to the changes. Therefore, her colleagues needed to depend on her to solve some of the problems they faced. This gave Monica information power. Although Monica had information power there were several types of power she was missing. Monica lacked reward power and coercive power. She couldn’t give monetary bonuses, promotions or any other form of rewards to colleagues who had done well in the project. More importantly, Monica didn’t have the power to punish anyone who hurt team morale and obstructed the progress of the project by engaging in organizational politics, such as Ralph Parker and Ed Kane. Monica had several years experience in important staff positions, which helped her in transferring her knowledge to this project however she lacked expert power. She didn’t have the expertise in designing and manufacturing of signal processors before taking up the project. She was relatively inexperienced when compared with Parker and she had neither made major contribution to the company nor built close relationship with her olleagues. Her colleagues also less respected her than Parker who had high informal individual power including expert power because of his expertise in analog signal processors. Parker was the vice president of signal processor design, and he believed that he was the only person that could specify the type of processor (analog or digital) to be used in the project. On occasion he discredited Monicas research and stated that it â€Å"wasn’t competant†. Monica chose not to align with Parker and rather continue on her track to comlete the project the best way she saw fit. Monica had legitimate power on the project with her team however she lacked with senior management. Dorr valued a â€Å"peaceful and productive environment† with no â€Å"hot competitors†. Based on her prior converstaion with Dorr it seemed he valued the teamwork aspect more than the expert power. Dorr was frustrated with her thinking that she had legitimate power and described her as â€Å"an Imperial Chinese Emperor. † Parker questioned her legitimate power when he shouted: â€Å"Who the hell do you think you are, going to an outside vendor. † Parker throughout the case used coercive power to intimidate Monica. He taunted her by calling her a â€Å"traitor and a renegade. † The power used by Parker to influence Dorr was not discussed in the case since most of their interaction happened behind closed doors. Though, whatever power used, it surely was more effective than that of Monica. Parker knew how to play the political game, while Monica thought that her numbers and data are going to be enough to get her targets’ buy in. Monica’s influence tactics relied heavily on rational persuasion. Before the Hippocrates project she used this rational persuasion successfully to influence Dorr. She backed up â€Å"her views with data when he (Dorr) asked why she disagreed. † Monica’s attempt to use rational persuasion during project Hippocrates did not yield the same positive results. On the other hand, Parker and Kane knew how to â€Å"play the game† at HEAL-INC. While Monica stuck to one tactic using data and information, Parker and Kane used several tactics in an attempt to influence their targets. This included pressure and time spent forming a coalition. Pressure was exerted on Monica, and she â€Å"ate the bait† and appeared to fight back. Monicas appearance to fight back worked against her since managers are expected to exert self-control. Behind closed doors, Parker and Kane brought Dorr to their side of the argument and used this coalition to marginalize Monica’s proposal. Eventually near the conclusion of the project Monica was removed from her position. Monica realized that she was too caught up in the technical and marketing challenges and she did not focus on assessing the interests of other key players. She had data and content for the project but lacked a foundation because she did not align with others. Her manager, Dan Stella, tried to coach Monica to be more influential but he couldn’t get her to listen to his advice. This proved to be an obstacle for her because when challenged by others Stella did not publically back her up. Stella had a lot at stake for his position in the company and therefore had to look out for himself. Monica also never addressed issues with Parker. She took her coworkers views of Parker as facts and did not bother to talk to him directly. Monica should have taken the opportunity to talk to Parker out of the context of presentations and possibly even work and learn more about him. The goal of meeting with Parker would have enabled her to build trust and rapport with him. She should have also worked actively on finding ways to include Parker in the decision making process. By including others in the project should would have encouraged positive input and perhaps eliminated behind-the-scenes maneuvering. In regards to Stella, rather than viewing his concerns as negative she needed to step back and reassess why he was coaching her. Stella was an invaluable alliance that she should have fostered and recognized. She should have given him the promise of more controlled behavior and listening to his advice, in turn he may have been more willing to publically support her. Monica also made mistakes with Dorr. She went head on with Parker even though Dorr specifically told her not to do so. Her intensity rather than patience and teamwork concerned Dorr. She didn’t do enough talking with Dorr about the project rather provided information in a public setting. The project required Dorr’s support and she did not align with him to build a strong foundation. This misjudgement proved to be a major weakness for Monica. She harmed an opportunity that provided her direct contact with the President of the company, a contact that senior managers should embrace. In order to be more infulential in the future, Monica needs to avoid heavily relying on just the merit of her work and viewing politics with distaste. The â€Å"numbers† are not the only focus for senior management. Effective managers need to also have self-control and show a perception of being team players. Monica needs to work on her relationship with her peers and superiors at HEAL-INC. This includes reaching out to the President Gary Dorr, her boss Dan Stella and last but not least Parker and Kane. In addition to that Monica needs to adapt her influence style. Going forward, she needs to recognize the influence of others and build trusting relationships with the key players involved. References: Porter, M. E. 1985, Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance, New York: Free Press. Hoskission, Hitt, Ireland, Harrison 2008, Competing for Advantage, Ohio: South Western. Influence without Authority website, www. influencewithoutauthority. com Edersheim, E, The Definitive Drucker Cohen and Bradford, 2005, Implementing Strategic Change: Monica Ashley’s Experience Case Study

Business English How to Make an Order on the Telephone

Speaking on the telephone for business purposes can seem like a challenge for those who speak English as a second language, but it doesnt have to be. While business conversations are often more intimidating to ESL learners than more casual conversations are, they arent necessarily more complicated. Through dialogues and role-plays, students can quickly become more comfortable with both business and telephone communication. Pre-written dialogues offer English language learners a good way to prepare themselves for conversations they may have in the real world. Once you perform and understand pre-written dialogues, it should become easier for you to make your own calls. The following dialogue is between two business representatives. One of them is calling the other to request a large number of desk units for her office. Find a partner and act out the dialogue. Make sure to take note of some of the key vocabulary that comes up in this conversation. It can be useful to you whenever you are looking to place a business order over the telephone. Placing an Order on the Telephone Jane Tegal: Hello, this is Jane Tegal from Excellerator Co. calling. May I speak to Mr. Mitchell? Arthur Mitchell: Hello Ms.Tegal, this is Arthur Mitchell. Jane Tegal: Hello, Id like to place an order for a number of your Millennium desk units. Arthur Mitchell: Certainly. How many were you interested in ordering for purchase? Jane Tegal: Quite a few. Do you have many available in the warehouse? Arthur Mitchell: We keep a large supply in stock. Theres also a showroom with quite a few on hand. It shouldnt be a problem. Jane Tegal: Well then. Id like 75 units by the end of the month. Could I get an estimate before I place an order? Arthur Mitchell: Certainly. Ill have it for you by the end of the day. Jane Tegal: What does the estimate include? Arthur Mitchell: Estimates include merchandise, packaging, and shipping, duty if required, any taxes, and insurance. Jane Tegal: Do you ship door-to-door? Arthur Mitchell: Yes, all shipments are door-to-door. Delivery dates depend on your location, but we can usually deliver within 14 business days. Jane Tegal: Great! Thank you for your help. Arthur Mitchell: My pleasure. We can email you more information if you would like. Jane Tegal: Yes, that would be great! My email is janeexcelleratorco.com. Arthur Mitchell: Okay. You can expect an e-mail by 5 this afternoon. Jane Tegal: Thank you again for your help. Key Vocabulary unit to place an orderwarehouseto purchaseto be availablesupplyin stockshowroomto be on handestimatedoor-to-door shippingto depend on somethinglocation

The War Of Rebellion And The Civil War - 926 Words

There are many events, people, and differences that led to the civil war. The main being that the South wanted to keep on with slavery while the North did not. The civil war, also known as the War of Rebellion, began on April 12, 1861, and the last battle was on May 13, 1865. There was over three million soldiers fighting for the Confederates and the Union combined. There was around 600,000 casualties during this war, more on the Unions side. Abraham Lincoln played a big part in the Civil War considering that he was the president during the time of the Civil War. He was the 16th president and the first republican president. In his first inaugural speech he tried to appeal to the southern states even though seven of them had already seceded. At the end of this speech Lincoln cleverly stated , â€Å"Shall it be peace, or the sword,†. 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