Defend the proposition that functionalism was a transitory bridge from the study of the subjective mind and consciousness to the objective study of overt behavior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Functionalism can be seen as a transitory bridge from the study of the subjective mind and consciousness to the objective study of overt behavior for several reasons. First, functionalism emerged as a response to the limitations of structuralism, which focused on the analysis of the elements of consciousness and the structure of the mind. Functionalism, on the other hand, shifted the focus to the functions and purposes of mental processes and behavior, emphasizing the adaptive nature of human cognition and behavior.

Second, functionalism paved the way for behaviorism, which further emphasized the objective study of behavior and rejected the study of subjective experiences altogether. While functionalism still acknowledged the importance of mental processes, it laid the groundwork for the eventual shift towards a more objective and observable approach to psychology.

Additionally, functionalism contributed to the development of applied psychology, as it emphasized the practical applications of psychological principles in real-world settings. This shift towards practicality and usefulness in psychology further aligned with the objective study of behavior and the application of psychological principles to observable phenomena.

Overall, functionalism can be seen as a transitory bridge because it marked a shift in focus from the subjective study of consciousness to the objective study of behavior, setting the stage for the eventual dominance of behaviorism and the objective study of psychology. While functionalism still retained some focus on mental processes, it laid the groundwork for the eventual transition towards a more behavior-focused and objective approach to psychology.

Defend the Proposition That Functionalism Was a Transitory Bridge from the Study