Question:

Which of the following concepts were proposed by the followers of functionalism?
A. Synthetic philosophy
B. Stimulus error
C. Social Darwinism
D. Tropism
E. Law of exercise
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Functionalism was deeply rooted in evolutionary biology. Herbert Spencer's evolutionary writings (Synthetic philosophy and Social Darwinism) were major intellectual drivers for the functionalists.
Updated On: Jul 18, 2026
  • A & amp; B Only
  • B & amp; C Only
  • A & amp; C Only
  • D & amp; E Only
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to identify which of the listed conceptual systems were proposed or adopted by the early founders and followers of functionalist psychology.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


• Functionalism was heavily influenced by evolutionary ideas regarding adaptation and utility.

A. Synthetic philosophy: Formulated by Herbert Spencer, this philosophy attempted to synthesize all scientific knowledge through the lens of evolution, which served as a foundational inspiration for American functionalism.

C. Social Darwinism: Also popularized by Herbert Spencer, Social Darwinism applied evolutionary concepts of "survival of the fittest" to human societies and institutions, which was closely integrated into the early functionalist worldview.

B. Stimulus error: This concept was proposed by Edward Bradford Titchener, a leader of the rival Structuralist school, to warn introspectors against describing physical stimuli rather than raw conscious experience.

D. Tropism: Formulated by Jacques Loeb, tropism is an objective, mechanistic behavioral concept explaining forced movements in plants and animals, associated with early behaviorism.

E. Law of exercise: Formulated by Edward Thorndike, this is a behavioral law of learning, not a concept defining functionalism as a school of thought.

• Therefore, Synthetic philosophy (A) and Social Darwinism (C) are the concepts directly linked to the evolutionary foundations of the functionalist school.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The concepts proposed by the followers and intellectual precursors of functionalism are A & amp; C Only.
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