Single Idea 18601

[catalogued under 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 4. Structure of Concepts / f. Theory theory of concepts]

Full Idea

The two core ideas of the Theory Theory are that concepts are bodies of knowledge that underlie explanation, where explanation rests on folk examples, and concepts are organised in domains which use similar knowledge.

Gist of Idea

Theory Theory says concepts are explanatory knowledge, and concepts form domains

Source

Edouard Machery (Doing Without Concepts [2009], 4.4.1)

Book Reference

Machery,Edouard: 'Doing Without Concepts' [OUP 2009], p.103


A Reaction

Folk explanation is opposed to scientific explanation, as expounded by Hempel etc. This sounds better and better, since the domains reflect the structure of reality. Machery defends Theory Theory as part of the right answer, but it's my favourite bit.

Related Idea

Idea 18600 Theory Theory says category concepts are knowledge stores explaining membership [Machery]