Single Idea 17987

[catalogued under 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 4. Structure of Concepts / e. Concepts from exemplars]

Full Idea

We don't have one concept of birds formed by learning from exemplars, and another concept of birds that is used in induction.

Gist of Idea

The concept of birds from exemplars must also be used in inductions about birds

Source

Gregory L. Murphy (The Big Book of Concepts [2004], Ch.13)

Book Reference

Murphy,Gregory L.: 'The Big Book of Concepts' [MIT 2004], p.496


A Reaction

In other words exemplar concepts break down when we generalise using the concept. The exemplars must be unified, to be usable in thought and language.