Abstract

In this paper I investigate the idea that in conceptual analysis we are in a substantial way concerned with revealing metaphysical grounds. I argue that a recent proposal fails, according to which we aim to reveal what complex concepts are grounded in. The notion of composition, rather than that of grounding, is the best way to understand the intuitive hierarchy of concepts. In an analysis we reveal the components or parts of complex concepts and their structure. Finally, I propose an alternative role for grounding in our accounts of analysis: in analyses we reveal truths about the composition of concepts that serve as grounds for truths about their functions, which are what we want to understand.

Highlights

  • According to an idea which was especially popular at the beginning of the 20th century, much of philosophy is rigorous engagement with concepts: philosophers investigate our main representational devices by analyzing them (Glock, 2008, ch. 2)

  • Concept-grounding is supposed to be the best way to understand the intuitive hierarchy of concepts, which we investigate in analyses

  • The failure of the concept grounding view only shows that concept-grounding cannot account for conceptual analysis on its own and for this reason cannot be motivated by applying a certain strategy

Read more

Summary

Introduction

According to an idea which was especially popular at the beginning of the 20th century, much of philosophy is rigorous engagement with concepts: philosophers investigate our main representational devices by analyzing them (Glock, 2008, ch. 2). It currently plays an important role in the debate on conceptual engineering (cf Eklund, 2015; Ball, 2020; Pettit, 2020) According to another idea which is especially popular at the beginning of the 21st century, much of philosophy is rigorous engagement with metaphysical grounds (cf Correia and Schnieder, 2012; Raven, 2020): philosophers investigate non-causal grounds of phenomena, they find out in virtue of what things are as they are and they try to capture the structure of reality.

Grounding
Analysis
Grounding Concepts
The Concept Grounding View
First Worries
The Lack of Support for Concept‐Grounding
The Merits of Concept‐Composition
Grounding Truths About Concepts
Grounding Thinking
Grounding Application Conditions
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call