Compositionality of concepts

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the problem of concept composition: to obtain a complex concept such as RED SQUARE, the mind has to be able to combine simple concepts, RED and SQUARE. It is argued here that compositionality constraint is a necessary element of any cognitively plausible theory of concepts. The chapter provides an overview of the theories of concepts that have been particularly influential in cognitive science, such as the Inferential Roles Semantics and the Prototype theory. At the same time, it aims to show how these theories still fall short of providing a satisfying solution for compositionality constraint. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of compositionality constraint by stating that it should be regarded as a critical (rather than a secondary) concern that guides both theoretical and empirical research on concept representations.