A1 Journal article (refereed)
Conceptualization for intended action : A dynamic model (2023)

Kaipainen, M., Hautamäki, A., & Parthemore, J. (2023). Conceptualization for intended action : A dynamic model. Philosophical psychology, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515089.2022.2164263

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Kaipainen, Mauri; Hautamäki, Antti; Parthemore, Joel

Journal or series: Philosophical psychology

ISSN: 0951-5089

eISSN: 1465-394X

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 06/01/2023

Volume: Early online

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09515089.2022.2164263

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85041

Abstract

Concepts are the building blocks of higher-order cognition and consciousness. Building on Conceptual Spaces Theory (CST) and proceeding from the assumption that concepts are inherently dynamic, this paper provides historical context to and significantly elaborates the previously offered Iterative Subdivision Model (ISDM) with the goal of pushing it toward empirical testability. The paper describes how agents in continuous interaction with their environment adopt an intentional orientation, estimate the utility of the concept(s) applicable to action in the current context, engage in practical action, and adopt any new concepts that emerge: a largely pre-intellectual cycle that repeats essentially without interruption over the conceptual agent’s lifetime. This paper elaborates utility optimization by establishing three constraints on concept formation/evaluation – non-redundancy, distinctiveness, and proportionality – embedding them in a quasi-mathematical model intended for development into a formal logic. The notion of a distinctor – a quality dimension of the conceptual space in focus at any given time, used for making what we call a difference distinction – is key. The primary contribution of the revised ISDM is the way it relates concepts to action via utility optimization/actualization and the way it describes the emergence of quality dimensions through trial-by-action (trial and error), something previous presentations of CST have failed to address.

Keywords: concepts (outlines); concepts (notions); interaction

Free keywords: concepts; conceptual agency; conceptual dynamics; distinctors; iterative subdivision model; conceptual spaces theory

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 2