The Functionalism Of The Homunculi-Headed Robots By Ned Block

In philosophy of the mind, functionalism is a theory where psychological processes, or mental states, are classified by their functional role. Each mental state is related to inputs, outputs, and other mental states. Basing mental states on the function, rather than the underlying structure of mental states, allows for multiple realizability to be achieved. This is the concept that a mind can be constructed without biological means. In other words, functionalism provides the necessary framework needed for artificial intelligence to be conceptualized.
To argue against functionalism, Ned Block formulated the thought experiment of the “Homunculi-headed robots”. In this scenario, a few small human beings are stationed within the head of a robot. Each creature is assigned a task, to enter a specific output when shown a corresponding input. This is somewhat reminiscent of Daniel Dennett’s critique of Cartesian Dualism, the “Cartesian Theater”. The most obvious difference being 1 homunculus sitting in the Cartesian Theatre, as opposed to several homunculi sitting within the head of the robot. Another crucial difference being that Block and Dennett are on opposite sides of the functionalism debate.
Block also formulates the “Chinese Nation” thought experiment. In this experiment, the homunculi within the robot’s head,
In this scenario, a Chinese speaking individual communicates with a person in another room who does not understand the Chinese language. The communication is achieved by the first individual writing a message in Chinese, and transmitting it into another room. Within the room, the second individual receives the message, and utilizes a response algorithm contained in a book to write an appropriate response. The second individual is able to communicate successfully with the first, but does not genuinely understand the Chinese