Full Idea
Conceptual role semantics involves meanings of expressions determined by used contents of concepts and thoughts, contents constructed from concepts, concepts determined by functional role, which involves relations to things in the world.
Gist of Idea
Meaning from use of thoughts, constructed from concepts, which have a role relating to reality
Source
Gilbert Harman ((Nonsolipsistic) Conceptual Role Semantics [1987], 12.1)
Book Reference
Harman,Gilbert: 'Reasoning Meaning and Mind' [OUP 1999], p.206
A Reaction
This essay is the locus classicus for conceptual-role semantics. Any attempt to say what something IS by giving an account of its function always feels wrong to me.