Single Idea 2438

[catalogued under 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 3. Ontology of Concepts / b. Concepts as abilities]

Full Idea

Semantics, according to the informational view, is mostly about counterfactuals; what counts for the identity of my concepts is not what I do distinguish but what I could distinguish if I cared to (even using instruments and experts).

Gist of Idea

In the information view, concepts are potentials for making distinctions

Source

Jerry A. Fodor (The Elm and the Expert [1993], §2.I)

Book Reference

Fodor,Jerry A.: 'The Elm and the Expert' [MIT 1995], p.37


A Reaction

We all differ in our discriminations (and awareness of expertise), so our concepts would differ, which is bad news for communication (see Idea 223). The view has some plausibility, though.

Related Idea

Idea 223 If you deny that each thing always stays the same, you destroy the possibility of discussion [Plato]