Hilary Putnam (July 31, 1926 - March 13, 2016)

Functionalism

1973

Through the 1960s and 1970s, Putnam helped refine a theory of mind known as functionalism. Mental or psychological states are defined by their roles and are “functional states” of an entity.

Meaning of Meaning

1975

Professor Putnam showcased his argumentative skills with a thoughtful experiment called Twin Earth. This was in his paper titled "The Meaning of Meaning"

Fact and Value

1982

Putnam's critique of the traditional fact-value dichotomy is the distinction between what is factual and what is, or is not, to be norm or value.

Metaphysical Realism

1983

In Putnam's paper, "Why there isn't a ready-made world", Putnam explained his understanding of realism which he called "metaphysical realism".