What is Concept: Definition and 1000 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. P

    Really basic, simple concept question

    it's been a while since I've taken any math based classes (all chem and bio for the last few years)... kinda embaressing but what are the rules in converting metric system s.i. units? i.e. with 2.7 g/cm^3 into meters would it be .027g/m^3 or would it be 2.7E-6 g/m^3 (cuz i know it would be...
  2. S

    Grasping Superposition Concept: Physics 122 (Algebra Based)

    I am having a hard time grasping this concept. More specifically, I am having a hard time finding the net displacement of two waves when they are overlapping. My book describes the net displacement of two waves as the point-by-point summation of the individual waves. the bold statement is where...
  3. M

    Just cant grasp the concept of redox rxns

    I have read about 20 explanations and tutorials and heard people talk about reducing and oxidizing compounds countless times but the concept continues to elude me. I know that oxidizing has 3 meanings but in this case it refers to one compound taking electrons off another compound and reduction...
  4. S

    Concept question on using integrals to find displacement

    Homework Statement I was reading a solution to the following question: Given v(t) = 22 + 18 t, use calculus to determine the total displacement from t initial= 1.5 s to t final = 3.1 s Homework Equations Here are the steps in the equation...
  5. K

    Understanding the nth Term Test for Divergence in Series

    I have a problem understanding the divergence of series.. There is a n-th term test that u first apply on the general term of the series and if its limit is not equal 0 then the series is divergent.. When i apply that test sometime i get it wrong and sometime not.. When can i apply this test? is...
  6. Philosophaie

    Hard time grasping the concept of the Geodesic

    Have a hard time grasping the concept of the Geodesic. If you are given a velocity and position of say a small astroid entering the gravitational field of the Earth. How do you find the trajectory or path it takes as it falls to Earth? Not afraid of tensors and advanced calculus.
  7. C

    Understanding the Net Work Energy Concept: Defining F in Work Equations"

    I've been confused about work. I know it equals F x D. But what is F? Is it the netforce or the force being exerted. If you are pushing up an object up an incline with 200N and the opposing force of gravity + friction is 100N for D=20m. Is Work, Fnet x D or 200N x D? Does the same apply...
  8. M

    Magnet and coil producing electric concept?

    I would like to know..what is the concept of rotating a magnet above a coil of wires to produce electricity.. what is the factor affects the power of electricity produce.. 1)Is it the number of coil? 2)is it the power of magnet? 3)is it the distance between magnet and coil 4)or anything...
  9. A

    Torque and equilibrium; concept problem

    Homework Statement I'm just trying to understand why the force from net torque isn't included in net force when considering equilibrium: Why isn't the force from torque part of the net forces acting on a body? Homework Equations if net force = 0 and net torque = 0 then the body is in...
  10. R

    2 boxes attached to sprint. concept questions.

    Homework Statement A spring of negligible mass is compressed between two masses (M1 is less massive than M2) on a frictionless table with sloping ramps at each end. The masses are released simultaneously. Select the appropriate symbol for each statement: G (Greater than), L (Less than), or E...
  11. Loren Booda

    The physics concept most indicative of reality

    What physical theory represents best fundamental and universal experience?
  12. H

    Understanding the Relationship between Differential Equations and Integration

    If ds = integration of f(t) dt then can I say: ds/dt= f(t)? I am very confuse with that. please help
  13. P

    Understanding Entropy: Molar Entropy of Helium vs Argon

    concept of "entropy." Hey, I am new to this concept of "entropy." And my book talks about it in terms of "the ways you can arrange something, more arrangements = more entropy." So, why is the molar entropy of Helium gas higher than that of Argon gas? There are the same number of particles...
  14. M

    Rest Energy Concept: What Does it Mean?

    What exactly do we mean by rest energy of a particle ? It is known that electron has rest energy of .511Mev but what is meant by this ? An electron is never at rest (except in its own frame of reference) then why it is said rest energy ?
  15. W

    Concept of Invertible Matrices

    Homework Statement If A is an invertible square matrix, then Ax = b is consistent for each b in R^n 2. The attempt at a solution If A multiplied by A inverse is identity, then it would always be consistent. So I thought , if A is just randomly multiplied by some x, then it will still...
  16. 2

    Converting et*u1(t) to F(s) using Laplace Transform

    Homework Statement If I had something like, et*u1(t), how would I convert it to F(s) Homework Equations ua(t)*f(t-a) = e-asF(s) The Attempt at a Solution From the general equation of transformation, I don't have f(t-a) and I don't think I can make one out of the exponential...
  17. F

    What is the true nature of linearity?

    Hello, I'm kind a new to this forum. Been lurking here for a while and got some thought that I'd like to get some advice on. But since I'm new, I better present myself a bit. I'm a programmer since my youth (age 42 now), and never got a formal degree in anything. Nevertheless, I've always...
  18. T

    Concept Questions regarding Work

    Homework Statement Two objects with unequal mass are released from rest from the same height. They slide without friction down a slope and then encounter a rough horizontal region. The coefficient of kinetic friction in the rough region is the same for both masses. The lighter mass will travel...
  19. S

    Can someone please explain to me the concept of vortex breakdown?

    Can someone please explain to me the concept of vortex breakdown?
  20. A

    Max/Min power Transfer In String concept check

    Homework Statement We have a transverse sinusoidal wave being generated in a long horizontal string. The transverse displacement is described by: y(x,t) = 0.01sin(27.3x - 240\pi t) What is the displacement when the maximum and minimum power transfer occurs? Homework Equations...
  21. V

    Trouble applying the concept of momentum conservation

    I am having trouble applying the concept of momentum conservation to this problem. The particular problem I am having is in figuring out if I did part (c) correctly. A look at Puck A: It is evident that total the momentum is conserved before the collision because the external forces acting...
  22. Danger

    Honda's Bizarre V4 Concept Bike: Can You Solve the Mystery?

    I love Gizmag, and they've presented a challenge. (Actually, Honda presented it; Gizmag is passing it on.) The link shows a Honda concept bike that appears to have no tires, suspension, or drive train. I can think of a few ways that the suspension, steering, and power system might be done...
  23. H

    Calculating Net Force on Boxes of Different Masses in Contact

    Homework Statement Two boxes full of books are in contact with each other on a smooth table. Box H has twice the mass of Box G. If you push on box G with a horizontal force F, then box H will expereince a net force of? Homework Equations F =ma The Attempt at a Solution answer from...
  24. J

    Need Help Understanding a concept on Buoyancy

    Need Help Understanding a concept on Buoyancy! Homework Statement I have a beaker on a scale. I suspend a block on a string and place it in the beaker. Will the scale reading be higher or lower than before? I need someone to explain the concept please Homework Equations The...
  25. 0

    What is the Conceptual Understanding of Electric Potential?

    ok, So I am in an entry level physics class (electricity & magnetism) and I am having trouble grasping the idea of voltage/electric potential. Wikipedia describes it as "electric pressure" but that is still pretty foggy. My professor relies heavily on mathematical derivations and barely says a...
  26. S

    Understanding Eigenfunctions and Eigenvalues in Quantum Mechanics

    I am a seond year Quantum Chemistry student. I am having a hard time understanding these concepts. I was wondering I can get help in this concept. How can it be demonstrate mathematically in the Hamiltonian operator that the function φ(x) = A sin(2x) + B cos(2x) is an eigenfunction of...
  27. F

    Understanding Complete Function Expansion: A Confusing Concept

    i thought i understand it but i guess i don't... you can expand a function in cosine f.s., sine f.s. and complete f.s. on some [0..L]. i thought that the coefficients a_n and b_n for complete expansion would come from sines and cosines respectively, but i guess that wouldn't make sense...
  28. Z

    How to Solve a Tough Concept Question: Rifle Aiming Experiment

    Tough Concept Question! Homework Statement A rifle is used to shoot twice at a target using identical cartridges. The first time, it is aimed parallel to the ground and directly at the center of the bull's eye. The bullet strikes the target at a distance of HA below the center, however. The...
  29. N

    What are the complications of including measurements in our theories?

    Measurement is probably the most important act when we attempt to understand our universe; without measurement we would have no information at all. The problem is including measurements in our theory leads to complications which our difficult to describe. I will outline a couple of the problems...
  30. C

    Does this jump honor the concept of physics?

    Does this jump honor the concept of physics?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YMQR13ia... -James Bond: Casino Royale Explain what is wrong with the action scene and how the segment should be modified so that it honors the laws of physics. The only thing I can think of is that the...
  31. R

    How Do Angles and Forces Affect Equilibrium in Physics Scenarios?

    Situation 1 A box is suspended from the ceiling by two ropes each at an equal angle lesser than 30 degrees with the horizontal. Why is the tension of either rope greater than the weight of the box itself? Situation 2 A bungee jumper momentarily comes to rest at the bottom of...
  32. S

    Uniformly charged rod concept question

    If a uniformly charged rod is bisected in the middle the limits of integration would be (-L/2) to (L/2)? Thus the formula would be the integral from (-L/2) to (L/2) of k*dq/r^2. Now of course there might be an angle so cos(theta) and sin(theta) would need to be added. If the point at which we...
  33. S

    Insulator Conductor Concept Question

    For insulators the excess charge stays on the outside of the object. For conductors the excess charge travels through the sea of electrons until the net charge inside the object is zero with the rest of the charges pushed to the outer edges of the conductor. So with both the excess charges...
  34. S

    Does Buoyant Force Vary with Material Density in a Composite Object?

    Homework Statement If you had a rectangular prism and split it in half, half iron, half wood, and let if float on water, would the buoyant force be different on the different sides? The Attempt at a Solution I originally thought since the iron was more dense than the wood, it would...
  35. A

    Electric Circuit Theory Concept

    Why do we take ideal voltage source to have 0 impedance and ideal current source to have infinite impedance. Please explain mathematically also!
  36. B

    What Vertical Forces Act on a Leaning Ladder at the Point of Slipping?

    Consider a ladder leaning at a certain angle to the horizontal leaning against a wall on the point of slipping. Does the vertical component of force at the point of contact between the ladder and the floor equals to the weight of the ladder? If the answer is no, are there any other force(s)...
  37. K

    Faraday Cage Concept and Building Questions

    I have a few questions and verifying statements regarding the concept as well as practical building of Faraday Cages. 1. A Faraday cage's mesh must have a grid with a spacing less than that of the wavelength that is intended to be stopped. 2. Why is it that foil and mylar also work as...
  38. K

    Redundancy Concept and ECCS in NPP

    Hi Folks I'm studying about redundancy concept in nuclear power plants. I want to find a list of all nuclear power plants in which the number of safety(eccs) trains are mentioned.
  39. B

    Why is the sun's gravitational pull on the moon greater than the Earth's?

    Homework Statement Is the sun's gravitational pull on the moon greater or less than the Earth's pull on the moon? Well, the sun doesn't steal our moon away, so the Earth must be pulling harder, right? Well, if you do that calculations you will find that it is not true! The sun pulls more...
  40. L

    Linear Algebra Concept Question

    Homework Statement List the conditions of "a" under which the system: x + ay - z = 1 -x + (a-2) y + z = -1 2x + 2y (a-2) z = 1 i) Has no solutions: ii) Has a unique solution: iii) Has infinite solutions. The attempt at a solution Well, I changed the matrix into reduced...
  41. N

    Concept of a renormalizable theory in Weinberg's feild theory book

    I have just started to study the concept of a renormalizable theory in Weinberg's field theory book. I am not sure if my understanding of the process is correct and would like some additional explanation or corrections; As far as I understand in any theory there will be unrenormalizable...
  42. K

    Cylindrical shell and cross-section volume concept question

    When a problem with a number of equations is given, asking to find its volume, a student has a choice between the cylindrical shell method and the cross-section method. However, regardless of what method is chosen, do both answers end up being EXACTLY the same?
  43. C

    On The Ether Concept In Physics

    Notes by ScienceWeek: In the late 19th century, what we now call "classical" physics incorporated the assumed existence of the "ether", a hypothetical medium believed to be necessary to support the propagation of electromagnetic radiation. The famous *Michelson-Morley experiment of 1887 was...
  44. C

    Struggling with the concept of Arithmetic/Geometric Progression help

    Hi all, I'm new to this website, really pleased to have found such a great website to satisfy my mathematical and scientific queries and doubts! anyway, I am currently revising for major tests.. and I can't understand/solve questions regarding Arithmetic/Geometric Progression (if you know what...
  45. G

    Buoyant Force: Why is it W?

    the problem is: a block that weighs W floats exactly with 1/2 of its volume below the waterline. What is the buoyant force? Answer is W, but why is it W? I thought that its 1/2 W because only 1/2 of the volume is below the waterline. if the buoyant force equals to the downward force...
  46. L

    Concept Question about Excitation of Atoms

    Let's say, for ease of reference, an electron strikes a mercury atom with just enough energy such that this mercury atom is excited to another energy level. What would happen if a photon struck this atom with the same amount of energy? I remember encourtering a True/False problem like this in a...
  47. L

    Concept Question - Understanding Momentum Conservation in Collisions

    Hello, I have a question about momentum that showed up in my physics textbook. It's a True/False question, and I have the answer, it's just that I'm not sure how it works. Could someone please explain this to me? Many thanks. |Glider 1|-----> <------|Glider 2|...
  48. D

    Concept Question - Electric Potential, and Electric Fields

    I have a few questions about electric potential and electric fields. If two points have the same electric potential, is it true that no work is required to move a test charge from one point to the other? Does that mean that no force is required as well? Also, How much work is required to...
  49. W

    Dipole (electrical) and Electric Field Concept

    Hi all, I'm kind of confused right now about some concepts. - Dipoles are essentially point charges of the same magnitude but different signs that are a certain distance away from each other, right? -In my textbook, they were calculating a charged particle that is on the dipole axis...
  50. H

    Is the Limit of the Integral of a Function Equal to its Maximum Value?

    I am trying to prove that the Limit as p approaches infinity of {integral from 0 to 1[|f(t)|^p dt]}^(1/p) is in fact equal to the max of |f(x)| between [0,1]. Any suggestions I am sure I need to set the limit to less than or equal to and greater than or equal to the max but i don't quite...
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