Précis of doing without concepts
Related Experiment Videos
1Department of History and Philosophy of Science, 1017CL, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Machery@pitt.edu www.pitt.edu/~machery/
Abstract:
Although cognitive scientists have learned a lot about concepts, their findings have yet to be organized in a coherent theoretical framework. In addition, after twenty years of controversy, there is little sign that philosophers and psychologists are converging toward an agreement about the very nature of concepts. Doing without Concepts (Machery 2009) attempts to remedy this state of affairs. In this article, I review the main points and arguments developed at greater length in Doing without Concepts.
Related Concept Videos
Understanding Self-Concept
Natural and Artificial Concepts
Concepts and Prototypes
The brain organizes this information using concepts, which are mental categories grouping linguistic data,...
Subconsciousness and No Awareness
An illustrative example of subconscious processing is its role in problem-solving. Often, individuals...
Basic Concept
Length, which measures the distance traveled by an object, is a fundamental concept in engineering mechanics. We use coordinates relative to a reference point to describe the distance. Length not only helps to describe the...
Self-Concept
Infancy and Emerging Recognition
During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...