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Single Idea 18606

[from 'Doing Without Concepts' by Edouard Machery, in 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 4. Structure of Concepts / d. Concepts as prototypes ]

Full Idea

The prototype paradigm of concepts makes the strong prediction that typical members should be easier to categorise than atypical members.

Gist of Idea

The prototype view predicts that typical members are easier to categorise

Source

Edouard Machery (Doing Without Concepts [2009], 6.4.1)

Book Reference

Machery,Edouard: 'Doing Without Concepts' [OUP 2009], p.174


A Reaction

This is why philosophers should approach the topic of concepts with caution. Clearly empirical testing is going to settle this matter, not abstract theorising.