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Single Idea 24469

[catalogued under 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 2. Origin of Concepts / a. Origin of concepts]

Full Idea

Our conceptual system is grounded in, neurally makes use of, and is crucially shaped by our perceptual and motor . systems. We can only form concepts through the body.

Gist of Idea

All of our concepts arise from our bodily perceptual and motor systems

Source

G Lakoff / M Johnson (Philosophy in the Flesh [1999], 25 'Conception')

A Reaction

I basically agree with this, but I think they exaggerate their own position, which relies on the idea of metaphors, which are connections between experiences. Our higher level concepts break free of their bodily foundations.

Book Reference

Lakoff,G/Johnson,M: 'Philosophy in the Flesh' [Basic Books 1999], p.555