Funksjonalistisk

Funksjonalistisk is a Norwegian adjective that denotes relation to functionalism, a broad intellectual and artistic tendency that emphasizes function as the primary criterion for design, theory, or explanation. The term is used across disciplines, most commonly in architecture and design as well as in the philosophy of mind and cognitive science.

In architecture and design, funksjonalistisk refers to a modernist movement that emerged in the early 20th century and stressed simplicity, practicality, and the use of industrially produced components. The guiding idea is that form should follow function, with an emphasis on minimal ornamentation, rational organization of space, and honest use of materials such as concrete, steel, and glass. In Scandinavia and other parts of Europe the term is closely linked to early functionalist or “funkis” tendencies, which influenced both buildings and consumer products, aligning aesthetics with industrial production and social utility.

In philosophy, funksjonalistisk describes functionalism, a theory about mental states and cognition. Mental states are identified by their causal roles—how they interact with other mental states, sensory inputs, and behavioral outputs—rather than by their internal constitution. This view has implications for artificial intelligence and philosophy of mind, including arguments about multiple realizability and challenges related to subjective experience.

Today, funksjonalistisk as a descriptor may appear in discussions of design, architecture, or theory to indicate a focus on usefulness, practicality, and the functional basis of forms or explanations.