Scientific Concepts as Forward-Looking: How Taxonomic Structure Facilitates Conceptual Development
In: Journal of the Philosophy of HistorySearch for other papers by Corinne L. Bloch-Mullins in
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Abstract
This paper examines the interplay between conceptual structure and the evolution of scientific concepts, arguing that concepts are fundamentally ‘forward-looking’ constructs. Drawing on empirical studies of similarity and categorization, I explicate the way in which the conceptual taxonomy highlights the ‘relevant respects’ for similarity judgments involved in categorization. I then propose that this taxonomy provides some of the cognitive underpinnings of the ongoing development of scientific concepts. I use the concept synapse to illustrate my proposal, showing how conceptual taxonomy both facilitates and constrains the accommodation of newly discovered phenomena. I end by briefly considering the implications of the proposed approach for a normative evaluation of scientific concepts.
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| All Time | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
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Scientific Concepts as Forward-Looking: How Taxonomic Structure Facilitates Conceptual Development
In: Journal of the Philosophy of HistorySearch for other papers by Corinne L. Bloch-Mullins in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
This paper examines the interplay between conceptual structure and the evolution of scientific concepts, arguing that concepts are fundamentally ‘forward-looking’ constructs. Drawing on empirical studies of similarity and categorization, I explicate the way in which the conceptual taxonomy highlights the ‘relevant respects’ for similarity judgments involved in categorization. I then propose that this taxonomy provides some of the cognitive underpinnings of the ongoing development of scientific concepts. I use the concept synapse to illustrate my proposal, showing how conceptual taxonomy both facilitates and constrains the accommodation of newly discovered phenomena. I end by briefly considering the implications of the proposed approach for a normative evaluation of scientific concepts.
| All Time | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 761 | 94 | 7 |
| Full Text Views | 41 | 7 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 66 | 13 | 0 |