Dharmakīrti's apoha theory demonstrates that cognitions are individuated by their causal-functional roles, which are determined extrinsically through perceptual feedback and successful action.

?Rate how convincing each reason is below to see the overall strength.

No one has weighed in yet. Be the first to share reasons for or against this statement.

Apoha theory(as the specific theory being explained): Dharmakirti's idea that words and thoughts work by excluding or ruling out what something is NOT, rather than by directly pointing to shared features of a group.
Causal-functional roles(as how functionalism explains the mind): The idea that mental states are defined by what they do and how they connect to other things—like a belief matters because it causes you to act and connects to your other thoughts, not because of what it's made of.
Cognitions(epistemology): Acts of thinking, knowing, or perceiving; the mental processes by which we gain beliefs and understanding.
Dharmakīrti(as the originator of the doctrine being discussed): An influential Indian Buddhist philosopher from the 7th century CE who developed important theories about how we know things and how the mind works.

Based on where you are in your exploration