Single Idea 12578

[catalogued under 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 3. Ontology of Concepts / b. Concepts as abilities]

Full Idea

There can be no more to a concept than is determined by a correct account of what it is to possess that concept.

Gist of Idea

A concept is just what it is to possess that concept

Source

Christopher Peacocke (A Study of Concepts [1992], 3.2)

Book Reference

Peacocke,Christopher: 'A Study of Concepts' [MIT 1999], p.71


A Reaction

He calls this the Principle of Dependence. An odd idea, if you compare 'there is no more to a book than its possession conditions'. If the principle is right, I struggle with the proposal that a philosopher might demonstrate such a principle.