Which Concept of Concept for Conceptual Engineering?

Conceptual engineering is the method for assessing and improving our concepts. However, little has been written about how best to conceive of concepts for the purposes of conceptual engineering. In this paper, I aim to fill this foundational gap, proceeding in three main steps: First, I propose a methodological framework for evaluating the conduciveness of a given concept of concept for conceptual engineering. Then, I develop a typology that contrasts two competing concepts of concept that can be used in conceptual engineering-namely, the philosophical and psychological ones. Finally, I evaluate these two concepts of concept using the proposed methodological framework and I show that, when it comes to making conceptual engineering an actionable method, the psychological concept of concept outclasses its philosophical counterpart on all counts. This provides a baseline from which the concept of concept can be further improved for the purposes of conceptual engineering.

Automated summary

This paper addresses the lack of research on how to conceive concepts for the purpose of conceptual engineering. It proposes a methodological framework for evaluating concepts and develops a typology that contrasts philosophical and psychological concepts. The study shows that the psychological concept of concept is more effective for conceptual engineering. This provides a baseline for further improvement of conceptual engineering.