On the adequacy of prototype theory as a theory of concepts

Daniel N. Osherson; Edward E. Smith

doi:10.1016/0010-0277(81)90013-5

On the adequacy of prototype theory as a theory of concepts

Daniel N. Osherson, Edward E. Smith

Psychology

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448 Scopus citations

Abstract

Prototype theory construes membership in a concept's extension as graded, determined by similarity to the concept's "best" exemplar (or by some other measure of central tendency). The present paper is concerned with the compatibility of this view of concept membership with two criteria of adequacy for theories of concepts. The first criterion concerns the relationship between complex concepts and their conceptual constituents. The second concerns the truth conditions for thoughts corresponding to simple inclusions.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	35-58
Number of pages	24
Journal	Cognition
Volume	9
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0277(81)90013-5
State	Published - 1981

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Developmental and Educational Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience
Language and Linguistics
Linguistics and Language

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10.1016/0010-0277(81)90013-5

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On the adequacy of prototype theory as a theory of concepts

Abstract

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

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