Single Idea 17978

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

Full Idea

The knowledge approach argues that concepts are part of our general knowledge about the world. We do not learn concepts in isolation, ...but as part of our overall understanding of the world. Animal concepts are integrated with biology, behaviour etc.

Gist of Idea

We do not learn concepts in isolation, but as an integrated part of broader knowledge

Source

Gregory L. Murphy (The Big Book of Concepts [2004], Ch. 3)

Book Reference

Murphy,Gregory L.: 'The Big Book of Concepts' [MIT 2004], p.60


A Reaction

This is one of the leading theories of concepts among psychologists. It seems to be an aspect of the true theory, but it needs underpinning with some account of isolated individual concepts. This is also known as the 'theory theory'.