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Single Idea 18568

[from 'A Study of Concepts' by Christopher Peacocke, in 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 1. Concepts / b. Concepts in philosophy ]

Full Idea

Peacocke's 'Simple Account' says philosophers should determine the necessary and sufficient conditions for possessing a concept, and psychologists should explain how the human mind meets these conditions.

Gist of Idea

Philosophy should merely give necessary and sufficient conditions for concept possession

Source

report of Christopher Peacocke (A Study of Concepts [1992]) by Edouard Machery - Doing Without Concepts 2

Book Reference

Machery,Edouard: 'Doing Without Concepts' [OUP 2009], p.31


A Reaction

One can't restrict philosophy so easily. Psychologists could do that job themselves, and dump philosophy. Philosophy is interested in the role of concepts in meaning, experience and judgement. If psychologists can contribute to philosophy, fine.