Are calculators and TV remotes also concepts?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of concepts, specifically whether tangible objects like calculators and TV remotes can be classified as concepts alongside intangible ideas such as centripetal acceleration and torque. Participants explore definitions and implications of what constitutes a concept.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that calculators and TV remotes could be considered concepts, questioning if only intangible things qualify as concepts.
  • Another participant argues that concepts are created to rationalize observations, implying that observations themselves are not concepts.
  • A participant references Plato's idea of "ideals," stating that the notion of a TV remote is a concept, while a specific remote is not.
  • There is a challenge to the idea of centripetal acceleration being purely conceptual, with a participant asserting that real events can embody concepts.
  • Several participants inquire about how to determine if something is a concept, referencing Samuel Johnson's test regarding physical interaction.
  • A humorous remark is made about the test, questioning if a person can be considered a concept based on a physical interaction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether tangible objects can be classified as concepts, with no consensus reached on the definitions or implications of concepts.

Contextual Notes

There are varying interpretations of the term "concept," and the discussion includes references to philosophical ideas without resolving the definitions or criteria for what constitutes a concept.

cs23
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Centripetal acceleration is a concept. Can we say calculators,t.v. remotes are also concepts.

OR only the intangible things are concepts (such as torque, centripetal acceleration)
 
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I would say, with caution, yes. We are not privy to 'reality', only observations. We create concepts to rationalize our observations. In this sense, observations are the only 'thing' that's not a concept.
 
The idea of a "t.v. remote" (what Plato would have called an "ideal") is a concept. A specific t.v. remote in your hand or sitting beside you is not.
 
HallsofIvy said:
The idea of a "t.v. remote" (what Plato would have called an "ideal") is a concept. A specific t.v. remote in your hand or sitting beside you is not.
I just dropped a cup. That instance of centripetal acceleration was not conceptual. Correct?
 
cs23, I suggest you start with looking up the meaning of the word "concept" in the dictionary. Do not be satisfied with just one dictionary...check severarl different ones to get a good idea of the meaning of "concept". Then you can decide for yourself if something fits the definition or not.
 
zoobyshoe said:
I just dropped a cup. That instance of centripetal acceleration was not conceptual. Correct?

No. We use the word to refer to the event itself, even though it references a concept that is not necessarily the event; we just take for granted that it is. So one can study centripetal acceleration as a concept, but you can also actually experience it as a real event.
 
How do i know if something is a concept?
 
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