Carving nature at its joints using a knife called concepts

Justin J. Couchman; Joseph Boomer; Mariana V.C. Coutinho; J. David Smith

doi:10.1017/S0140525X10000336

Carving nature at its joints using a knife called concepts

Justin J. Couchman, Joseph Boomer, Mariana V.C. Coutinho, J. David Smith

Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

That humans can categorize in different ways does not imply that there are qualitatively distinct underlying natural kinds or that the field of concepts splinters. Rather, it implies that the unitary goal of forming concepts is important enough that it receives redundant expression in cognition. Categorization science focuses on commonalities involved in concept learning. Eliminating concept makes this more difficult.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	207-208
Number of pages	2
Journal	Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Volume	33
Issue number	2-3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X10000336
Publication status	Published - Jun 2010
Externally published	Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
Physiology
Behavioral Neuroscience

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10.1017/S0140525X10000336

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AB - That humans can categorize in different ways does not imply that there are qualitatively distinct underlying natural kinds or that the field of concepts splinters. Rather, it implies that the unitary goal of forming concepts is important enough that it receives redundant expression in cognition. Categorization science focuses on commonalities involved in concept learning. Eliminating concept makes this more difficult.

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ER -

Carving nature at its joints using a knife called concepts

Abstract

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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