Concepts and Categories

Undergraduate / Graduate

Despite how central categories and concepts are in theories of cognition, there is a lack of consensus within the scientific community as to the nature of concepts and categories. This course serves to introduce students to this ever-growing dialogue regarding concepts and categories. During the course we will analyze both classical and current theories of categorization. We will also briefly focus on how the process of categorization may change from infancy to adulthood. From this we will go on to discuss topics regarding the function and use of concepts and categories, as well as how concepts and categories may be acquired and maintained.