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2 ideas
4997 | It seems unlikely that most concepts are innate, if a theory must be understood to grasp them [Kirk,R] |
Full Idea: It is widely accepted that for many concepts, if not all, grasping the concept requires grasping some theory, ...which makes difficulties for the view that concepts are not learned: for 'radical concept nativism', as Fodor calls it. | |
From: Robert Kirk (Mind and Body [2003], §7.3) | |
A reaction: Not a problem for traditional rationalist theories, where the whole theory can be innate along with the concept, but a big objection to modern more cautious non-holistic views (such as Fodor's). Does a bird have a concept AND theory of a nest? |
10954 | It is unclear whether acute angles are prior to right angles, or fingers to men [Aristotle] |
Full Idea: Suppose parts are prior to the whole - then, since the acute angle is a part of the right angle, and a finger is part of an animal, this would mean the acute angle and the finger were prior, but received opinion says otherwise. | |
From: Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1034b24) |