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Single Idea 24477

[catalogued under 7. Existence / E. Categories / 2. Categorisation]

Full Idea

Most of our categories …are formed automatically and unconsciously as a result of functioning in the world.

Gist of Idea

We mostly categorise by engagement with the world

Source

G Lakoff / M Johnson (Philosophy in the Flesh [1999], 03)

A Reaction

I think this was Aristotle's view, since he just identifies the categories which our minds utilise, with no thought for their logic or their malleability. I take it for granted that all animals categorise their environment into types of entity.

Book Reference

Lakoff,G/Johnson,M: 'Philosophy in the Flesh' [Basic Books 1999], p.18