Single Idea 18688

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

Full Idea

Some kinds of knowledge are probably directly incorporated into the category representation and used in normal, fast decisions about objects. Other kinds of knowledge, however, may come into play only when it has been solicited.

Gist of Idea

Some knowledge is involved in instant use of categories, other knowledge in explanations

Source

Gregory L. Murphy (The Big Book of Concepts [2004], Ch. 6)

Book Reference

Murphy,Gregory L.: 'The Big Book of Concepts' [MIT 2004], p.168


A Reaction

This is a summary of empirical research, but seems to fit our normal experience. If you see a hawk, you have some instant understanding, but if you ask what the hawk is doing here, you draw more widely.