Single Idea 18590

[catalogued under 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 4. Structure of Concepts / c. Classical concepts]

Full Idea

If a concept is defined by means of another, such as MURDER by means of KILL, then processing the former concept should take longer in the classical theory, but several experiments show that this is not the case.

Gist of Idea

Classical theory implies variety in processing times, but this does not generally occur

Source

Edouard Machery (Doing Without Concepts [2009], 4.1.3)

Book Reference

Machery,Edouard: 'Doing Without Concepts' [OUP 2009], p.80


A Reaction

For the philosopher there is no escaping the findings of neuroscience when it comes to the study of concepts. This invites the question of the role, if any, of philosophy. I take philosophy to concern the big picture, or it is nothing.