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Language and mechanisms of concept learning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 May 2011

Daniel A. Weiskopf
Affiliation:
Department of Philosophy, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302. dweiskopf@gsu.eduhttp://www2.gsu.edu/~phldaw/

Abstract

Carey focuses her attention on a mechanism of concept learning called “Quinian bootstrapping.” I argue that this form of bootstrapping is not dependent upon language or other public representations, and outline a place for language in concept learning generally. Language, perception, and causal reasoning are all sources of evidence that can guide learners toward discovering new and potentially useful categories.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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