functionalism

Definitions of functionalism

1. noun

   any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose
   type of:

   doctrine, ism, philosophical system, philosophy, school of thought

   a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
2. noun

   a psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment
   type of:

   scientific theory

   a theory that explains scientific observations