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Can bootstrapping explain concept learning?

Jacob Beck1

  • 1Department of Philosophy & Centre for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Cognition
|November 7, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study clarifies Quinean bootstrapping, a theory of concept learning. It proposes computational constraints to overcome circularity challenges and explain how new concepts are acquired.

Keywords:
BootstrappingComputational constraintsConcept learningConceptsSusan Carey

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Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Cognitive Science
  • Linguistics

Background:

  • Susan Carey's account of Quinean bootstrapping faces criticism regarding its clarity and the circularity challenge.
  • Commentators question what bootstrapping is and how it facilitates concept acquisition.
  • The circularity challenge posits that bootstrapping presupposes existing concepts, hindering explanation of new concept learning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a detailed interpretation of Quinean bootstrapping.
  • To address and answer the circularity challenge in concept learning.
  • To elucidate how new concepts are acquired through bootstrapping.

Main Methods:

  • Drawing on philosophical literature on concept learning.
  • Developing a novel interpretation of Quinean bootstrapping.
  • Analyzing computational constraints (internal and external) on concept acquisition.

Main Results:

  • A clear interpretation of Quinean bootstrapping is presented.
  • The circularity challenge is effectively addressed by the proposed interpretation.
  • Computational constraints are identified as key to endowing symbols with new conceptual roles and content.

Conclusions:

  • The revised interpretation of bootstrapping provides a viable mechanism for learning new concepts.
  • Computational constraints offer a solution to the circularity problem in concept acquisition.
  • This work advances understanding of how abstract concepts are formed and learned.