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Related Experiment Videos

Concepts: a potboiler

J Fodor1

  • 1Graduate Center, CUNY, NY 10036.

Cognition
|April 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Recent cognitive science theories often assume concepts are defined by inferential roles. This discussion revisits this assumption, proposing conceptual atomism as a viable alternative for understanding concepts in the mind.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Science
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Linguistics

Background:

  • Recent theories of the cognitive mind widely assume concepts are individuated by their inferential roles.
  • This assumption has become a near-universal tenet in cognitive science and philosophy of mind.
  • However, the implications and potential flaws of this view remain under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically examine the role of concepts in recent cognitive theories.
  • To challenge the prevailing assumption that concepts are primarily individuated by inferential roles.
  • To propose and advocate for an alternative framework for conceptual individuation.

Main Methods:

  • Informal, revisionist discussion of existing theories.
  • Philosophical argumentation and conceptual analysis.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Critique of inferential role semantics for concepts.

    • Main Results:

    • The assumption that concepts are (at least partially) individuated by their roles in inferences is likely mistaken.
    • Inferential role semantics faces significant challenges when applied to conceptual individuation.
    • The limitations of current theories necessitate exploring alternative frameworks.

    Conclusions:

    • A revival of conceptual atomism is presented as a plausible and indicated alternative to inferential role semantics.
    • Rethinking conceptual individuation is crucial for advancing theories of the cognitive mind.
    • This work encourages a re-evaluation of foundational assumptions in cognitive science.