Conceptual Engineering Should be Empirical

Area of Science:

• Philosophy
• Linguistics
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Conceptual engineering aims to create and disseminate new concepts and linguistic tools for societal change.
• Current conceptual engineering efforts face challenges in successfully propagating designed entities to target audiences.
• Existing methods often rely on theoretical or 'armchair' approaches, lacking empirical grounding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue for the integration of empirical data and methods in conceptual engineering for enhanced success.
• To propose a framework for understanding the causal factors influencing the propagation of conceptual and linguistic devices.
• To enhance the effectiveness of conceptual engineering projects through empirical investigation.

Main Methods:

• The paper advocates for the use of empirical research to study the propagation of conceptual and linguistic devices.
• It proposes a three-part framework analyzing the interplay between lexical labels, psychological states, and real-world referents.
• This framework facilitates the study and harnessing of causal forces affecting propagation.

Main Results:

• Empirical conceptual engineering is presented as superior to traditional 'armchair' methods.
• The proposed framework offers a structured way to understand the complex causal factors in concept propagation.
• Understanding these factors at label, psychological, and worldly levels improves project success.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating empirical data and methods significantly increases the likelihood of successful conceptual engineering.
• The three-part framework provides a robust model for analyzing and influencing concept propagation.
• This approach empowers conceptual engineers to better design and spread impactful ideas and language.