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Single Idea 18608

[filed under theme 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 4. Structure of Concepts / f. Theory theory of concepts ]

Full Idea

It seems that when subjects are not categorising by similarity, they are relying on what properties objects can and cannot have - that is, on some modal knowledge.

Gist of Idea

If categorisation is not by similarity, it seems to rely on what properties things might have

Source

Edouard Machery (Doing Without Concepts [2009], 6.5.1)

Book Ref

Machery,Edouard: 'Doing Without Concepts' [OUP 2009], p.185

A Reaction

I would call this essentialist categorisation, based on the inner causal powers which generate the modal profile of the thing. We categorise bullets and nails very differently, because of their modal profiles.

The 16 ideas with the same theme [concepts as components of our theories of reality]:

8791 The concept of 'green' involves a battery of other concepts [Sellars]
16511 A 'conception' of a horse is a full theory of what it is (and not just the 'concept') [Wiggins]
12623 The theory theory can't actually tell us what concepts are [Fodor]
9335 Concepts are constituted by their role in a group of propositions to which we are committed [Peacocke, by Greco]
15689 Theory-based concepts use rich models to show which similarities really matter [Gelman]
17978 We do not learn concepts in isolation, but as an integrated part of broader knowledge [Murphy]
18687 Concepts with familiar contents are easier to learn [Murphy]
18688 Some knowledge is involved in instant use of categories, other knowledge in explanations [Murphy]
18689 People categorise things consistent with their knowledge, even rejecting some good evidence [Murphy]
11137 The theory theory of concepts says they are parts of theories, defined by their roles [Margolis/Laurence]
11138 The theory theory is holistic, so how can people have identical concepts? [Margolis/Laurence]
18587 The theory account is sometimes labelled as 'knowledge' or 'explanation' in approach [Machery]
18600 Theory Theory says category concepts are knowledge stores explaining membership [Machery]
18601 Theory Theory says concepts are explanatory knowledge, and concepts form domains [Machery]
18607 Theory theorists rely on best explanation, rather than on similarities [Machery]
18608 If categorisation is not by similarity, it seems to rely on what properties things might have [Machery]