Funktionalisme

Funktionalisme is a term used primarily in sociology, architecture, and the philosophy of mind to denote a theoretical emphasis on function as the defining criterion of structures, practices, or states. In Nordic languages, the term is commonly used in architecture to refer to functionalist design, and in social theory to denote the idea that social forms exist to fulfill societal needs.

In sociology (and anthropology), functionalism views society as a system of interrelated parts that contribute to social stability and cohesion. Institutions such as family, education, and religion perform functions that maintain order and meet collective needs. Pioneered by Durkheim and later developed by Parsons and Merton, the framework emphasizes equilibrium, function, and adaptation. Critics argue it downplays conflict, power, and historical change, and can justify the status quo.

In architecture, funktionalisme denotes a modernist movement of the 1920s–1930s which posits that the form of a building should arise from its purpose and practical requirements. It champions rational planning, standardization, and minimal ornamentation, influencing the International Style. Notable practitioners include Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius. The approach aided mass housing and industrialized construction but has faced criticism for aesthetic sterility and insufficient attention to context and human experience.

In philosophy of mind, functionalism holds that mental states are defined by their causal roles rather than their internal constitution, a view associated with Putnam and Fodor. It has been debated in relation to issues of consciousness and artificial intelligence, including challenges like multiple realizability.