Single Idea 9031

[catalogued under 18. Thought / E. Abstraction / 2. Abstracta by Selection]

Full Idea

Basic concepts are acquired by direct abstraction from instances; unless there were some concepts acquired in this way by direct abstraction, there would be no conceptual cognition at all.

Gist of Idea

The basic concepts of conceptual cognition are acquired by direct abstraction from instances

Source

H.H. Price (Thinking and Experience [1953], Ch.II)

Book Reference

Price,H.H.: 'Thinking and Experience' [Hutchinson 1953], p.35


A Reaction

This seems to me to be correct. A key point is that not only will I acquire the concept of 'dog' in this direct way, from instances, but also the concept of 'my dog Spot' - that is I can acquire the abstract concept of an instance from an instance.