In this second signification it is sometimes connected with "function" in the mathematical sense, or else mathematical functions are adduced as paradigmatic of the functional conception of thinking.[60] The standard sense of "function" for Natorp, then, is that of an act or "operation" of thinking, where this means laying down a hypothesis.
This functional conception has led to the idea of mind as a machine, with parts that operate and malfunction relatively independently.
In James's functional conception of truth, the "working," and hence the truth, of ideas is their role in opening up valuable possible directions of thought and action—"a leading that is worth while".
Frances Egan elaborates the functional conception over a series of articles (1991, 1992, 1999, 2003, 2010, 2014).
Chalmers (2012) argues that the functional conception neglects important features of computation.
James Mill held something like this functional conception of pleasure (An Analysis of the Phenomena of the Human Mind II, p. 184).
Marr's discussion suggests a functional conception of computation, on which computation is a matter of transforming inputs into appropriate outputs.
Moreover, from the point of view of the functional conception, it is unclear why (1) picks out anything valuable — anything deserving the name of a virtue — at all.
A more functional conception of mathematics is also applicable in the setting of prevocational and professional training, although the discussion is rife with controversy in this regard (for an overview, Wittmann 2013).
In Plato's Meno, Meno holds an updated version of the functional conception, claiming that a man's virtue consists in the political ability to harm one's enemies and help one's friends, without incurring harm to oneself (71e).
