Single Idea 18575

[catalogued under 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 4. Structure of Concepts / b. Analysis of concepts]

Full Idea

Across domains (such as biology and psychology) classes of physical objects, substances and events are typically represented by a prototype, by a set of exemplars, and by a theory.

Gist of Idea

The concepts for a class typically include prototypes, and exemplars, and theories

Source

Edouard Machery (Doing Without Concepts [2009], 3.2.3)

Book Reference

Machery,Edouard: 'Doing Without Concepts' [OUP 2009], p.61


A Reaction

In other words he thinks that all of the major psychological theories of concepts are partially correct, and he argues for extensive pluralism in the true picture. Bad news for neat philosophy, but real life is a right old mess.