Final answer:
The mind is like a mousetrap as both have specific functions essential to their systems, with a mousetrap designed to catch mice and the mind executing brain functions. A functional concept signifies the purpose each system's component serves, such as the heart pumping blood. In functionalism, pain is a functional concept indicating potential harm, prompting protective behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mind can be likened to a mousetrap in the sense that both serve specific functions that are essential to the system they are a part of. A mousetrap is designed to catch mice, an action critical to its function. Similarly, the mind, according to functionalism, is described as the collective functions that the brain performs. This includes processes such as thinking, which are critical to the mind's function.
A functional concept refers to the idea that every aspect of a system has a purpose that contributes to the overall operation or well-being of that system. For example, the heart has the function of pumping blood throughout the body, which is crucial for survival.
In the functionalist definition of pain, the functional concept is that pain serves as a signal indicating potential harm to the body, prompting behaviors that protect the body from further damage, and thus contribute to survival and well-being.