The Concept of Concepts An Evaluation of the Psychological Approach to Studying Concepts
Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Harley, Heidi
Keywords
Cognitive Science, Cognitive Psychology, Reference, Concepts, Categories, Prototype
Area of Concentration
Cognitive Science
Abstract
In this criticism of the psychological research on 'concepts,' it is argued that the questions being asked by researchers are themselves questionable. First, a distinction is made between the oft-conflated questions of, on one hand, what features humans analyze when categorizing objects as, e.g., birds and non-birds, and, on the other, what properties are necessary and sufficient for birdhood. Particular troubles for some popular experimental models are then highlighted. The discussion is concluded with the suggestion that our conimonsense notion of a 'concept' may not match up with what goes on in human cognizing.
Recommended Citation
Barnett, David, "The Concept of Concepts An Evaluation of the Psychological Approach to Studying Concepts" (2003). Theses & ETDs. 3204.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3204