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Forward-Looking Concept Functions and the Function/Accident Distinction
1Department of Philosophy, University of Zurich, Zürichbergstrasse 43, 8044 Zurich, ZH Switzerland.
Erkenntnis
|March 16, 2026
Summary
The Usefulness Thesis for concept functions fails to distinguish stable functions from accidents and explain normativity. This makes it unsuitable for conceptual engineering, hindering concept critique and improvement.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Language
- Conceptual Analysis
- Epistemology
Background:
- Conceptual engineering aims to improve concepts by analyzing their functions.
- Prominent theories link concept functions to their usefulness, guiding amelioration and topic continuity.
- The Usefulness Thesis posits that usefulness defines a concept's function.
Purpose of the Study:
- Critically evaluate the Usefulness Thesis for concept functions.
- Assess its adequacy for conceptual engineering projects.
- Identify limitations in explaining function stability and normativity.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical argumentation and conceptual analysis.
- Examination of prominent theories of concept function.
- Critique of forward-looking function theories.
Main Results:
- The Usefulness Thesis fails to establish a stable function/accident distinction.
- It cannot adequately account for the normativity inherent in concept functions.
- Forward-looking theories based on usefulness suffer from overreach and vacuous normativity.
Conclusions:
- The Usefulness Thesis is inadequate for a robust theory of concept function.
- Its limitations render it unfit for the demands of conceptual engineering.
- Alternative approaches are needed to properly analyze and improve concepts.
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