Single Idea 12618

[catalogued under 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 3. Ontology of Concepts / a. Concepts as representations]

Full Idea

Nothing in any mental life could be the concept CAT unless it is satisfied by cats. If you haven't got a concept that applies to cats, that entails that you haven't got the CAT concept.

Gist of Idea

It is essential to the concept CAT that it be satisfied by cats

Source

Jerry A. Fodor (Concepts:where cogn.science went wrong [1998], Ch.2)

Book Reference

Fodor,Jerry A.: 'Concepts: where cognitive science went wrong' [OUP 1998], p.25


A Reaction

Of course, having a concept that applies to cats doesn't entail that you have the CAT concept. Quine's 'gavagai', for example. I think Fodor is right in this idea.