What is Concepts: Definition and 412 Discussions

Concepts are defined as abstract ideas or general notions that occur in the mind, in speech, or in thought. They are understood to be the fundamental building blocks of thoughts and beliefs.
They play an important role in all aspects of cognition. As such, concepts are studied by several disciplines, such as linguistics, psychology, and philosophy, and these disciplines are interested in the logical and psychological structure of concepts, and how they are put together to form thoughts and sentences. The study of concepts has served as an important flagship of an emerging interdisciplinary approach called cognitive science.In contemporary philosophy, there are at least three prevailing ways to understand what a concept is:
Concepts as mental representations, where concepts are entities that exist in the mind (mental objects)
Concepts as abilities, where concepts are abilities peculiar to cognitive agents (mental states)
Concepts as Fregean senses (see sense and reference), where concepts are abstract objects, as opposed to mental objects and mental statesConcepts can be organized into a hierarchy, higher levels of which are termed "superordinate" and lower levels termed "subordinate". Additionally, there is the "basic" or "middle" level at which people will most readily categorize a concept. For example, a basic-level concept would be "chair", with its superordinate, "furniture", and its subordinate, "easy chair".

Concepts may be exact, or inexact.
When the mind makes a generalization such as the concept of tree, it extracts similarities from numerous examples; the simplification enables higher-level thinking.
A concept is instantiated (reified) by all of its actual or potential instances, whether these are things in the real world or other ideas.
Concepts are studied as components of human cognition in the cognitive science disciplines of linguistics, psychology and, philosophy, where an ongoing debate asks whether all cognition must occur through concepts. Concepts are used as formal tools or models in mathematics, computer science, databases and artificial intelligence where they are sometimes called classes, schema or categories. In informal use the word concept often just means any idea.

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  1. T

    Discrete Graph Theory book or literature that dives into these concepts

    I need recommendations on literature to read. Basically i do not understand these section of Frank Harary's book on graph theory since the definition of what a boundary and a cycle vector is not clearly defined. I have googled literature on it but I am having a tough time finding the right...
  2. H

    Explaining the Concepts of Force and Energy

    1. The dilemma Work (change in energy) is defined as the exertion of a force over a distance parallel to the force. So if force is exerted, but nothing is moved (presumably with two immovable objects), then no energy is changed. But think about the dilemma with a person lifting 100 pounds...
  3. M

    Concepts at play with polarization?

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Brewster's angle The Attempt at a Solution I understand why A is true, but I have no idea what concepts are at play with B, C, and D. Any suggestions?
  4. C

    MHB Arithmetic Concepts: Get Help Understanding Problems

    Hi everyone! I'm having trouble solving this problem, its set up in a way that I don't understand and I was hoping someone could help clarify it with me..Thanks a bunch!
  5. W

    Concepts regarding Electric Potentials of Spheres

    Homework Statement My questions are just related to part a of this problem. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I know that potential inside a conductor is equivalent to potential on the surface of the conductor and potential at any point is an algebraic sum of potential...
  6. binbagsss

    A Isomorphism concepts,( example periods elliptic functions )

    Hi, I have the following: Let ##\Omega ## be a discrete subgroup of ##C##, the complex plane. If: i) ##\Omega = \{nw_1 | n \in Z\} ##, then ##\Omega ## is isomorphic to ##Z##. ii) ##\Omega = \{nw_1 + mw_2 | m,n \in Z\} ## where ##w_1/w_2 \notin R ## , then ##\Omega## is isomorphic to ##Z## x...
  7. M

    Careers that use introductory physics concepts

    I have an assignment on researching 2 careers that use one of the units of Physics that we've studied this year. The units we studied were Forces and motion (kinematics), Energy and Momentum, Electric and Magnetic fields, and Waves of light (not too keen on doing it for this.) I have to give a...
  8. E

    Learning Database Concepts & Applications

    Hello, I would like to learn the concepts of databases and practice them. I found it hard to find a good tutorial that teaches you how to start. All seem to be advanced to me! Is there a book (or a good tutorial) that teaches you both; the concepts and the applicationsof databases at the same...
  9. S

    A Concepts required to define a "system"?

    What concepts are required to define a "system" in physics ? - as in the phrase "In a closed system ... " or "If two systems are isolated from each other ..."? Is "system" always used as a term of common speech, or can it be defined more precisely? For example, in the thread...
  10. A

    Thermodynamics -- first and second law concepts

    Homework Statement An inventor claims to have invented four engines, each of which operates between constant-temperature reservoirs at 400 and 300 K. Data on each engine, per cycle of operation, can be found in the table below. Of the first and second laws of thermodynamics, which (if either)...
  11. D

    Basic electronics Concepts. Can you me?

    I have learned the basic electronics and of course Volt ,amp, and ohm relation with the water pipe thing and I am just curious about some things that my prof(s) failed to answer It says that what powers the circuit is actually current, does it mean that voltage and resistance variation is ok as...
  12. J

    B Relativity & Physics Concepts: A Book Explained Simply

    Hi Everyone! I used to have a book that explained physics concepts quite simply. I used to read it when I was about 8 or 9 years old and one chapter really stuck with me (I'm 25 now). I'm not sure where the book went, and have been looking for it for some time and think this might be the best...
  13. H

    Intro Physics Physics book suggestions to understand the concepts

    I'm studying 2nd year and I'm self studying some of the concepts in the physics,so I would be grateful if someone suggests me a book for the concept understanding
  14. Paladin

    I Engineering Design Units & Concepts: Chart & Examples

    Hello, I'm new here. I have a question that I don't think many people can answer. In my Engineering Design class last school year, we use physics on a daily basis. My teacher goes over units and where they come from. He also goes over fundamental measurements like mass and time. He stressed to...
  15. L

    Studying Trouble with kinematics and other basic physical concepts

    [You don't need to read the whole thing, but I'd recommend doing so, because there are examples of my struggles somewhere in there, like specific problems.] Greetings as usual, It's me again. That hopeful physicist who somehow found himself at the wrong place with the wrong mind in the wrong...
  16. Shafia Zahin

    Calculus A good book on Calculus to clear the concepts

    Hi, I want to know about some books that can help me to clear my concepts of calculus.I know the basics of differentiation and integration,but don't have clear idea about it.Well,I would like to buy such a book that has explained the rules and methods of calculus properly.Also,I want to know...
  17. P

    I How do the concepts of "boundary"and"infinitesimal" interact

    How can something have a definitive edge if space can always be more granular?
  18. V

    Studying How much time it takes to know all physics concepts?

    I have completed my engineering by now. I have decided to continue my further studies in Mathematics and to be aware of all physics concepts required for research. How can I study all physics concepts from home and what time would it take for me ?
  19. sidt36

    How can I distinguish between Lewis acids and bases?

    How do I know which species is a Lewis acid and which is a Lewis base?
  20. T

    B Number of concepts of Multiplication and Addition

    Hi,can someone exaplain me,why do we have a few concepts of multiplication,like repeated addition,scaling,grouping etc...but only one concept for addition that means to put something together and make it more or bigger I was solving in past,why multipliplication produce new unit and so on...but...
  21. David Mast

    Wheelchair lift concepts for Travel Trailer

    Hello all, i recently purchased a travel trailer, and i want to create a lift to get inside it. a little background on me, i was in a motocross accident, broke my back and am now paralyzed. I currently work at a full fabrication shop as a mechanical drafter, we have the capabilities to make...
  22. A

    Compare Work & Power of Student A Lifting 50-N Box

    14). Student A lifts a 50-N box from the floor straight up to a height of 40 cm in 2 s. Student B lifts a 40 N boxes straight up from the floor to a height of 50 cm in 1 s. Compared to Student A, Student B does (A) The same work but develops more power. (B) The same work but develops less...
  23. A

    How are mathematical concepts translated into illustrations

    How does physicist translate their scientific concept into an image or illustration to make it comprehensible and visual. Does the physicist make use of computer-software to produce this illustrations? Who made the first very well-known illustration of gravity that causes space-time to curve...
  24. xOrbitz

    Understanding Rolling Motion: Friction Forces and Velocity Changes

    Homework Statement (i) Suppose there's an object rolling without slipping at any surface. (ii) Now, let's say a disk is rolling and slipping toward the +x direction 2. The attempt at a solution (i) If the surface is horizontal then it won't apply any friction force on the object regardless on...
  25. Arqam Habib Khan

    Refer me to a book of calculus to clear the basic concepts

    Can anyone refer me a good book for calculus from which i can clear the basic concepts.
  26. B

    Brainstorm and confusion of concepts

    I know several math formulas, like which I will write below. \int_{x_0}^{x_1} f(x) dx \frac{\int_{x_0}^{x_1} f(x) dx}{x_1-x_0} \frac{\int_{x_0}^{x_1} f(x) dx}{2} f(x_1) - f(x_0) \frac{f(x_1) - f(x_0)}{x_1-x_0} \frac{f(x_1) - f(x_0)}{2} \frac{f(x_1) + f(x_0)}{2} And I know too that...
  27. jedishrfu

    Teaching Programming Skills via Math Concepts

    Got this for Christmas and its quite interesting to read: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0321942043/?tag=pfamazon01-20 The basic premise of the book is to explore the principles of generic programming, optimization and the mathematical concept of abstraction using traditional mathematical...
  28. zAbso

    The Slowing of Light: Exploring New Possibilities

    Something that recently caught my attention was the slowing of light particles - and keeping them slow. Light naturally slows when passing through transparent mediums, it is only in a vacuum that light move at it's true speed. By passing light through a mask made of transparent liquid crystals...
  29. I

    How to retain concepts from math and physics?

    Hey everyone, I am beginning calculus 2 and physics this coming semester. I am not very anxious about learning the material, as it seems concepts typically develop overtime. However, I have a huge issue with retaining material. Previously, I've basically worked multiple practice problems until...
  30. P

    MHB High School Probability Exam Paper Answers & Analysis

    Hi, I am trying to solve the problems in the exam paper posted below, this is a HIGH SCHOOL probability exam paper. http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/nqfdocs/ncea-resource/exams/2015/91586-exm-2015.pdf I have put down my answers to these questions. Could you guys do it as well and take a look at my...
  31. xwolfhunter

    A question about some concepts from solving limits

    Simple question, simple example. (x-1) \frac{(x-2)(x-1)}{x-2} So, it's quite clear that the contents of the two lines are not equal to one another. Since \frac{1}{1}\neq\frac{x-2}{x-2}, how is it the case that we can treat it as \frac{1}{1}=\frac{x-2}{x-2} when we're doing limits? Edit: Oh...
  32. Ali Durrani

    Understanding the Basic concepts of Mechanical Engineering

    Hi And Assalamualaikum i am a mechanical Final Year student i have almost completed All the subjects, but my basic concepts are very weak, can anyone help me suggesting few books or handouts that are easy in understanding the basic concepts of Mechanical Engineering. my...
  33. M

    How correct are these concepts about circuits?

    first of all sorry for bad drawing, is all of the following correct : * number 1 : the current will flow normally * number 2 : the voltage source will not give current but Vb-Va = V of the voltage source (10 for example) * number 3 : no current will flow * number 4 : the voltage source will be...
  34. infinite.curve

    Resources For Real Analysis and Concepts of Mathmatics

    I have been browsing the web, and I notice that I could not find any websites that have real analysis text around. Yes, I understand that I should look for books written by professionals in the field, but I do not know which one I should buy. Do you know of some online resources to real analysis...
  35. F

    The Top Ten Concepts I need to teach my kids?

    Hi What are the key concepts of Maths and Physics that every parent should ensure their kids know? Major focus of this I am concentrating on is one a strong basis for them to be informed and backed with key knowledge to allow them to be curious and explore and learn.
  36. N

    Order of concepts taught in calculus 1 & 2

    Hello everyone. I am about to start Calculus 1 and then Calculus 2. I want to get an idea of how the order of concepts of these to classes are generally laid out.Thanks
  37. T

    Learn Calculus: Required Math Concepts & Beginner Books

    Inorder to start with calculus ,which topics in mathematics are required and are there any books for beginners to learn calculus?
  38. J

    Three Blocks Connected Concepts

    Unsure what or which answers are incorrect. 1. Homework Statement In the figure below, assume that the pulleys are massless and frictionless. **Attached File** The masses of the blocks are Ma=1.50 kg, Mb=4.00 kg, Mc=6.00 kg, and there is friction between the horizontal plane and Mc, (μk≠0)...
  39. T

    Simplifying Complicated Concepts: Explained with Examples

    I do not understand this even the one in Wikipedia. Can anyone explain it to me as simple as possible as well as give me some simple examples? Thanks a lot!
  40. **Mariam**

    Wheels, car and friction concepts

    Hello, I am a high school student and I am studying about rotational motion this term. However, I am having a bit of trouble understanding some concepts about this idea; specifically about cars and turns. First of all before talking about cars turning corners and the forces there, I don't even...
  41. J

    Wheel calculations (Power, torque, etc.)

    Hi there, I've forgotten how to solve these problems, eg: If I've got two shafts, two wheels per shaft meaning four wheels in total, each wheel is 60 mm in diameter, and the power consumed by the system in providing a constant horizontal velocity of 0.15 m/s is 200W, what is the torque in each...
  42. S

    Other Texts for mastering the concepts of entropy?

    Perhaps aptly, the subject of entropy is a serious mess when one attempts to use Prof. Google to learn about it. There's just too many disparate concepts across too many different domains for me to be able to piece it all together. With the baseline that I've learned the simplified...
  43. Teichii492

    Clarification on key concepts of string theory

    I've been tasked with giving a presentation on any subject i like to my undergraduate physics class. Inspired by a recent lecture i attended by David Tong i have chosen to do a quick (10 minute) overview of the current state of theories beyond the standard model, obviously aimed at being...
  44. J

    What are top 10 physics concepts for middle schoolers?

    We are modifying our middle school physics curriculum. What are the ten most important physics concepts for middle schoolers to learn for a solid foundation in physical science? Secondarily, what labs are most memorable to engage students in these concepts?
  45. M

    Prepare Methyl Iodide Using SN2 Mechanism

    Homework Statement Hi folks! :) I have a problem with the following problem. Take any methyl halide and prepare methyl iodide.Choose the appropriate solvent. Now what i know is here we are going by SN2 mech and replacing a halide by iodide ion.But the problem i am facing is how can i replace a...
  46. J

    Geometry Matrices and wedge product concepts needed

    I want to learn clifford and grassmannian algebras. I need to be taken from mostly a beginners point, and from a place of matrices only in general terms, and years since use. ANybody up for it? I am a software developer, so not at the bottom of any learning curve.
  47. binbagsss

    Understanding Well-Defined Tensor on Manifold: Basic Concepts

    I'm trying to understand what exactly it means by some tensor field to be 'well-defined' on a manifold. I'm looking at some informal definition of a manifold taken to be composed of open sets ##U_{i}##, and each patch has different coordinates. The text I'm looking at then talks about how in...
  48. binbagsss

    Comoving Observers Concepts cosmology

    I have read 'comoving observers are a special set of freely-falling observers' . I have the following definitions: Comoving Frame: "defined at a time t is the inertial frame in which the accelerated observer is instantaneously at rest at t=t0. (Thus the term 'comoving frame' actually refers to...
  49. S

    Conceptual Newton's Law's Questions - HS Freshman Physics

    NOTE: The following questions are not part of any homework assigned. This is part of finding extra concept-related questions to help me study for my physics unit test. Homework Statement I have conceptual questions, not problems. I'll provide sufficient evidence that I've attempted to think...
  50. I

    What Are the Essential Concepts Every Physicist Should Know?

    I've been into physics for years now but no matter how much a study, i find that i always lack basic knowledge that others seem to have. I was wondering could someone provide me (if possible) with a list of fundamental concepts every physicist should know? i imagine the list might be to long or...
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