Thinking with Concepts

Wilson describes the techniques of conceptual analysis and gives examples of them in action.

John Wilson (Author)

9780521096010, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 1 April 1970

184 pages
20.3 x 12.7 x 1.3 cm, 0.2 kg

'His exposition is fairly elementary … but it is always intelligent, and many readers would certainly be better for learning his lessons. This book could do good, and not only at the relatively humble level of preparation for General Papers.' Times Educational Supplement

In his preface Mr Wilson writes 'I feel that a great many adults … would do better to spend less time in simply accepting the concepts of others uncritically, and more time in learning how to analyse concepts in general'. Mr Wilson starts by describing the techniques of conceptual analysis. He then gives examples of them in action by composing answers to specific questions and by criticism of quoted passages of argument. Chapter 3 sums up the importance of this kind of mental activity. Chapter 4 presents selections for the reader to analyse, followed by questions of university entrance/scholarship type. This is a book to be worked through, in a sense a text-book.

Preface
Part I. The Business of Analysis: 1. what is conceptual analysis?
2. Difficulties and methods of analysis
3. Additional notes
Part II. Examples of Analysis: 4. Criticism of passages
5. Answering questions of concept
Part III. Philosophy and Analysis
Part IV. Practice in Analysis: 6. Passages for criticism
7. Questions to answer.

Subject Areas: Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge [HPK]