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Concept-metacognition
1Institute of Philosophy, School of Advanced Study, University of London, Senate House London UK.
Mind & Language
|December 31, 2020
Summary
We use concepts as thinking tools, but their dependability varies. This study explores how we reflect on (metacognise) our concepts, finding it impacts cognitive processes.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Concepts are fundamental tools for human reasoning and interaction with the world.
- The dependability and quality of concepts can vary, influencing their effectiveness in tasks like categorization and learning.
- Metacognition, or thinking about thinking, can extend to our concepts themselves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the phenomenon of metacognition directed at concepts.
- To propose a preliminary taxonomy of different forms of concept-metacognition.
- To investigate the impact of concept-metacognition on various cognitive processes.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of metacognition applied to concepts.
- Development of a preliminary taxonomy for concept-metacognition.
- Theoretical exploration of the links between concept-metacognition and cognitive functions.
Main Results:
- Identified and categorized various forms of metacognition concerning concepts.
- Proposed that users may implicitly or explicitly recognize varying concept dependability.
- Suggested that metacognition about concepts is a distinct cognitive phenomenon.
Conclusions:
- Concept-metacognition is a relevant area of study within cognitive science.
- Reflecting on the quality of our concepts influences cognitive processes.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the scope and impact of concept-metacognition.
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