Conceptual change and conceptual engineering: the case of colour concepts

I analyse conceptual change and conceptual engineering in the special case of colour concepts. The case raises the prospects of conceptual engineering because a precise standard for measuring the amelioration of the structure of concepts is available. On the other hand, the study highlights the problems with controlling conceptual engineering pointed out by Cappelen. I argue that in the case of conceptual change of colour concepts varying degrees of optimization, design and control are possible. I submit that this observation can be generalized to other classes of concepts. As a result, the scope of conceptual engineering is reduced considerably; conceptual engineering appears as a limit case of conceptual change.

Automated summary

The case of colour concepts serves as a precise standard for measuring concept improvement, but also highlights issues with controlling conceptual engineering. Varying degrees of optimization, design, and control are possible in the change of colour concepts, with implications for other classes of concepts. This suggests that conceptual engineering is a limit case of conceptual change.