Single Idea 18584

[catalogued under 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 4. Structure of Concepts / a. Conceptual structure]

Full Idea

One hybrid theory of concepts says they have both a core and an identification procedure. The core is a definition (necessary and sufficient conditions), while the identification procedure consists of a prototype (the properties typical of a category).

Gist of Idea

One hybrid theory combines a core definition with a prototype for identification

Source

Edouard Machery (Doing Without Concepts [2009], 3.3.1)

Book Reference

Machery,Edouard: 'Doing Without Concepts' [OUP 2009], p.65


A Reaction

This combines the classical and prototype theories of concepts. I like it because it fits the idea of 'mental files' nicely (see Recanati). If concepts are files (as in a database) they will have aspects like labels, basic info, and further details.