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Single Idea 17976
[filed under theme 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 4. Structure of Concepts / d. Concepts as prototypes
]
Full Idea
In the prototype view the entire category is represented by a unified representation rather than separate representations for each member, or for different classes of members.
Gist of Idea
Prototypes are unified representations of the entire category (rather than of members)
Source
Gregory L. Murphy (The Big Book of Concepts [2004], Ch. 3)
Book Ref
Murphy,Gregory L.: 'The Big Book of Concepts' [MIT 2004], p.42
A Reaction
This is the improved prototype view, as opposed to the implausible idea that there is one ideal exemplar. The new theory still have the problem of how to represent diversity within the category, while somehow remaining 'unified'.
Related Idea
Idea 17977
The exemplar view of concepts says 'dogs' is the set of dogs I remember [Murphy]
The
24 ideas
from 'The Big Book of Concepts'
17970
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Classical concepts follow classical logic, but concepts in real life don't work that way
[Murphy]
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17971
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Classical concepts are transitive hierarchies, but actual categories may be intransitive
[Murphy]
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17972
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The classical core is meant to be the real concept, but actually seems unimportant
[Murphy]
|
17969
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The classical definitional approach cannot distinguish typical and atypical category members
[Murphy]
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17973
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The theoretical and practical definitions for the classical view are very hard to find
[Murphy]
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17974
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The most popular theories of concepts are based on prototypes or exemplars
[Murphy]
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17977
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The exemplar view of concepts says 'dogs' is the set of dogs I remember
[Murphy]
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17978
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We do not learn concepts in isolation, but as an integrated part of broader knowledge
[Murphy]
|
17975
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There is no 'ideal' bird or dog, and prototypes give no information about variability
[Murphy]
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17976
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Prototypes are unified representations of the entire category (rather than of members)
[Murphy]
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18691
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The prototype theory uses observed features, but can't include their construction
[Murphy]
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18687
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Concepts with familiar contents are easier to learn
[Murphy]
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18688
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Some knowledge is involved in instant use of categories, other knowledge in explanations
[Murphy]
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18689
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People categorise things consistent with their knowledge, even rejecting some good evidence
[Murphy]
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18690
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Induction is said to just compare properties of categories, but the type of property also matters
[Murphy]
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17980
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The main theories of concepts are exemplar, prototype and knowledge
[Murphy]
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17979
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Research shows perceptual discrimination is sharper at category boundaries
[Murphy]
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17987
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The concept of birds from exemplars must also be used in inductions about birds
[Murphy]
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17982
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Exemplar theory struggles with hierarchical classification and with induction
[Murphy]
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17981
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Children using knowing and essentialist categories doesn't fit the exemplar view
[Murphy]
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17984
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Conceptual combination must be compositional, and can't be built up from exemplars
[Murphy]
|
17983
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The prototype theory handles hierarchical categories and combinations of concepts well
[Murphy]
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17985
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Prototypes theory of concepts is best, as a full description with weighted typical features
[Murphy]
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17986
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Learning concepts is forming prototypes with a knowledge structure
[Murphy]
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