Roots of Functionalism: From Aristotle to Michael Halliday

Abstract

This study traces the roots of functionalism from Aristotle to Michael Halliday, highlighting its evolution and impact on various disciplines. Functionalism, a school of thought that emphasizes the function of elements over their structure, has its roots in Aristotle's concept of form and function. The study explores how functionalism influenced biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and linguistics, shaping our understanding of living organisms, human behavior, social structures, cultural practices, and language. Key figures like Darwin, Hobbes, James, Dewey, Malinowski, Radcliffe-Brown, Saussure, Jakobson, Trubetzkoy, and Halliday have contributed to the development of functionalism, which has led to significant advancements in their respective fields. This analysis demonstrates the significance of functionalism in understanding the complexities of human experience and its relevance in contemporary scholarship.