Middlebury

PHIL 0435

Concepts

Concepts: The Stuff of Thought
Concepts are often regarded as “the stuff of thought”: they allow us to categorize the world, learn about it, and navigate through it. But what are they, and how do they relate to reality? In this course we will examine prominent contemporary philosophical theories of concepts, drawing as well on readings from cognitive science and neuroscience. Possible topics include: Is it possible to define concepts? How are they mentally represented? Is reality relative to conceptual schemes? Do concepts give us knowledge of reality or hinder our awareness of it? Is perception nonconceptual? Do animals have concepts? (Junior and senior majors, or by waiver.) 3 hrs. sem.
Subject:
Philosophy
Department:
Philosophy
Division:
Humanities
Requirements Fulfilled:
PHL

Sections

Fall 2022

PHIL0435A-F22 Seminar (Spackman)

Fall 2019

PHIL0435A-F19 Seminar (Spackman)

Spring 2017

PHIL0435A-S17 Seminar (Spackman)