Single Idea 9037

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 3. Abstraction by mind]

Full Idea

Though it may sound odd to say so, intelligent behaviour has something abstract about it no less than intelligent cognition; and indeed at the animal level it is unrealistic to separate the two.

Gist of Idea

Intelligent behaviour, even in animals, has something abstract about it

Source

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

Book Reference

Price,H.H.: 'Thinking and Experience' [Hutchinson 1953], p.98


A Reaction

This elusive thought strikes me as being a key one for understanding human existence. To think is to abstract. Brains are abstraction machines. Resemblance and recognition require abstaction.