FUNCTIONALISM

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does functionalism mean? 

• FUNCTIONALISM (noun)
  The noun FUNCTIONALISM has 2 senses:

1. a psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment

2. any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose

  Familiarity information: FUNCTIONALISM used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FUNCTIONALISM (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("functionalism" is a kind of...):

scientific theory (a theory that explains scientific observations)

Domain category:

psychological science; psychology (the science of mental life)

Derivation:

functionalist (an adherent of functionalism)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("functionalism" is a kind of...):

doctrine; ism; philosophical system; philosophy; school of thought (a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school)

Derivation:

functionalist (an adherent of functionalism)