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Single Idea 24129

[filed under theme 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 2. Origin of Concepts / a. Origin of concepts ]

Full Idea

Images first, the words applied to images. Finally concepts, not possible until there are words a summary of many images. When see similar images for which there is one word - this weak emotion is the common element, the foundation of the concept.

Gist of Idea

We start with images, then words, and then concepts, to which emotions attach

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Unpublished Notebooks 1884-85 [1884], 25[168])

Book Ref

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Fragments from 1884-85 (v 15)', ed/tr. Loeb,P.S./Tinsley,D.F. [Stanford 2022], p.49

A Reaction

Unusual to have an account of the origin of concepts in 1884. His theory entails that animals can't have concepts, but presumably they can combine images, and hence recognise things. I think he is wrong, but interestng. Mental files.

The 31 ideas from 'Unpublished Notebooks 1884-85'

24124 We now have innumerable perspectives to draw on [Nietzsche]
24125 Aristotle enjoyed the sham generalities of a system, as the peak of happiness! [Nietzsche]
24126 We contain multitudes of characters, which can brought into the open [Nietzsche]
24127 Judging actions by intentions - like judging painters by their thoughts! [Nietzsche]
24128 After history following God, or a people, or an idea, we now see it in terms of animals [Nietzsche]
24129 We start with images, then words, and then concepts, to which emotions attach [Nietzsche]
24130 An affirmative belief is present in every basic sense impression [Nietzsche]
24131 There is no 'being'; it is just the opposition to nothingness [Nietzsche]
24132 After Socrates virtue is misunderstood, as good for all, not for individuals [Nietzsche]
24133 I have perfected fatalism, as recurrence and denial of the will [Nietzsche]
24134 There is always slavery, whether we like it or not [Nietzsche]
24135 Egoism should not assume that all egos are equal [Nietzsche]
24136 Who can endure the thought of eternal recurrence? [Nietzsche]
24138 Strongly believed a priori is not certain; it may just be a feature of our existence [Nietzsche]
24137 Mathematics is just accurate inferences from definitions, and doesn't involve objects [Nietzsche]
24139 A 'person' is just one possible abstraction from a bundle of qualities [Nietzsche]
24140 Cause and effect is a hypothesis, based on our supposed willing of actions [Nietzsche]
24141 Having a sense of time presupposes absolute time [Nietzsche]
24142 What matters is how humans can be developed [Nietzsche]
24143 Thinkers might agree some provisional truths, as methodological assumptions [Nietzsche]
24144 A cognitive mechanism wanting to know itself is absurd! [Nietzsche]
24145 Mind is a mechanism of abstraction and simplification, aimed at control [Nietzsche]
24146 All the major problems were formulated before Socrates [Nietzsche]
24147 Thoughts are uncertain, and are just occasions for interpretation [Nietzsche]
24148 If you love something, it is connected with everything, so all must be affirmed as good [Nietzsche]
24149 Values need a perspective, of preserving some aspect of life [Nietzsche]
24150 We can only understand through concepts, which subsume particulars in generalities [Nietzsche]
24151 I only want thinking that is anchored in body, senses and earth [Nietzsche]
24152 Fate is inspiring, if you understand you are part of it [Nietzsche]
24153 Humans are determined by community, so its preservation is their most valued drive [Nietzsche]
24154 If you want one experience repeated, you must want all of them [Nietzsche]