Single Idea 17985

[catalogued under 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 4. Structure of Concepts / d. Concepts as prototypes]

Full Idea

Our theory of concepts must be primarily prototype-based. That is, it must be a description of an entire concept, with its typical features (presumably weighted by their importance).

Gist of Idea

Prototypes theory of concepts is best, as a full description with weighted typical features

Source

Gregory L. Murphy (The Big Book of Concepts [2004], Ch.13)

Book Reference

Murphy,Gregory L.: 'The Big Book of Concepts' [MIT 2004], p.488


A Reaction

This is to be distinguished from the discredited 'classical' view of concepts, that the concept consists of its definition. I take Aristotle's account of definition to be closer to a prototype description than to a dictionary definition.