What is Concept: Definition and 1000 Discussions

Concepts are defined as abstract ideas or general notions that occur in the mind, in speech, or in thought. They are understood to be the fundamental building blocks of thoughts and beliefs.
They play an important role in all aspects of cognition. As such, concepts are studied by several disciplines, such as linguistics, psychology, and philosophy, and these disciplines are interested in the logical and psychological structure of concepts, and how they are put together to form thoughts and sentences. The study of concepts has served as an important flagship of an emerging interdisciplinary approach called cognitive science.In contemporary philosophy, there are at least three prevailing ways to understand what a concept is:
Concepts as mental representations, where concepts are entities that exist in the mind (mental objects)
Concepts as abilities, where concepts are abilities peculiar to cognitive agents (mental states)
Concepts as Fregean senses (see sense and reference), where concepts are abstract objects, as opposed to mental objects and mental statesConcepts can be organized into a hierarchy, higher levels of which are termed "superordinate" and lower levels termed "subordinate". Additionally, there is the "basic" or "middle" level at which people will most readily categorize a concept. For example, a basic-level concept would be "chair", with its superordinate, "furniture", and its subordinate, "easy chair".

Concepts may be exact, or inexact.
When the mind makes a generalization such as the concept of tree, it extracts similarities from numerous examples; the simplification enables higher-level thinking.
A concept is instantiated (reified) by all of its actual or potential instances, whether these are things in the real world or other ideas.
Concepts are studied as components of human cognition in the cognitive science disciplines of linguistics, psychology and, philosophy, where an ongoing debate asks whether all cognition must occur through concepts. Concepts are used as formal tools or models in mathematics, computer science, databases and artificial intelligence where they are sometimes called classes, schema or categories. In informal use the word concept often just means any idea.

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  1. J

    The concept of inertial mass from Newton to Einstein

    The most common definition of mass, at least in the Newtonian context, is in terms of a measure of inertia: The mass of an object is a measure of, and gives rise to, its resistance to changes in motion. F=MA presumably quantifies this idea of inertial mass. I'm wondering whether any...
  2. C

    Inelastic collision (finding e, don't understand concept)

    I have problems with a(ii). (please view the first image.) Now I have found that w = (13-8e)u/7 and v = (20e+13)u/7 What I did is like this: (Using NEL) v = 4ue Where the LHS is actually v-0 because I assume Q = 0. (20e+13)u/7 = 4ue e = 33/28 >1 ∴ e cannot exist. 1. Is...
  3. A

    Solve I(x) in the current using supermesh concept?

    Homework Statement Homework Equations 4A = I3 - I2 (supplementary eq.) Mesh 1: 6(I1)-6(I2)=2A Mesh 2,3 (supermesh): 6(I2-I1)+6(I2-I4)+12(I3)=0 -6(I1)+12(I2)+12(I3)-6(I4)=0 substitute supp. eq.: -6(I1)+12(I2)+12(I2+4A)-6(I4)=0 -6(I1)+24(I2)-6(I4)=-48 Mesh 4: 6(I4-I2)=-3A...
  4. Q

    Concept of 'work done' on a smooth slope (high school-level physics)

    Say you have an object on a smooth friction-less slope, and a force 10N (acting parallel to the slope) is applied to it to move it at a distance 5m up the slope. Work done by the force is: force*distance. In this case, 10*5 = 50 joules of energy Does all that energy get transferred to...
  5. Q

    What is the concept behind the Uncertainty Principle?

    I'm trying to understand the uncertainty principle. ΔxΔp >= h/4∏ from my understanding of the concept, its not possible to know the value of the position and the momentum simultaneously. yet the problems that i see floating around on the internet seem to just plug in values for mass and...
  6. D

    MHB Flight path angle concept question

    Can a flight path angle be 356 degrees?
  7. Math Amateur

    K-Algebra - Meaning and background of the concept

    I am trying to understand the concept of a k-algebra without much success. Can someone please give me a clear explanation of the background, definition and use of the concept. Also I would be extremely grateful of some examples of k-algebras Peter
  8. Math Amateur

    MHB K-Algebra - Meaning and background of the concept

    I am trying to understand the concept of a k-algebra without much success. Can someone please give me a clear explanation of the background, definition and use of the concept. Also I would be extremely grateful of some examples of k-algebras Peter
  9. T

    Trying to find limit involving continuity concept

    Homework Statement Find c such that the function f(x) { x^2-9 while x≤ c and 6x-18 x > c } is continuous everywhere. Homework Equations Given above. Basic algebra. The Attempt at a Solution I made a number line. Showing that x^2-9 is approaching from the left side and 6x-18 is...
  10. S

    Concept of Pressure head and velocity head

    I am rather confused regarding the exact definitions of pressure head and velocity head. wikipedia defines pressure head as "a term used in fluid mechanics to represent the internal energy of a fluid due to the pressure exerted on its container. " But how can pressure head represent energy...
  11. M

    Exploring the Origins of Spacetime: Einstein's Thinking

    I have done quite a bit of research regarding the subject of spacetime, but what I want to know is, what was the reasoning behind it? I understand the subject and agree with it, but I want to know how Einstein came about the idea.
  12. S

    Satellite Orbiting: Understanding the Concept

    Hi guys, I'm confused when my textbook (or actually most other explanations) says that when an object is launched at a speed high enough, it orbits the Earth circularly because the Earth beneath CURVES away from it. First thing first, I'll start by visualizing the Earth is stationary and...
  13. W

    How Does Gauge Theory Apply to Electrodynamics and Teleparallel Gravity?

    It is said that : electrodynamics is a gauge theory for U(1) gauge group . what is its physical concept? Mathematically it mean that the field is invariant under transformation under components of U(1) group, that we can show them with e^{i\theta} and we can consider them as a phase angle . so...
  14. P

    Charge carrier injection in heterostructures - help with concept definition

    Hi, I have this report to do on "Charge injection in heterostructures". I have been searching and reading but I still have some trouble with the basics, i.e. defining the concept. As far as I understood a heterostructure is a junction between two or more different semiconductors and the...
  15. V

    Why is momentum conserved in cases of linear and angular motion?

    i sometimes don't know why momentum is conserved is these cases(for both linear and angular), i know that for momentum to conserve , external net force(linear) or external net torque should be zero can someone please help me with the following two condition?? Case1 A bomb is projected to the...
  16. A

    Relativity of Simultaneity concept

    I read some articles on relativity of simultaneity which said that the concept is a result of ONLY the finite speed of light and does not necessarily follow from the principle of relativity. I however was not convinced with the explanation. Could someone justify if it's true?
  17. F

    Misunderstanding the concept of torque

    I think I am misunderstanding something. Because I had this strain of thought and it doesn't really want to logically up. By my logic anyways. :blushing: Ok, here it is: Let us have a standard lever/seesaw and a fulcrum at a point. Let us apply a force to the very end of the lever (which is the...
  18. B

    Help With Conservation Of Energy Concept

    Hi guys, Can someone help explain something to me. In a situation of an asteroid heading straight towards the Earth, I'm trying to understand where the energy comes and goes (using just gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy). Consider the energy of the asteriod some distance...
  19. R

    Help with Kinetic Energy concept of two masses that move the same distance

    Help with Kinetic Energy concept of two masses that move the same distance! I don't understand why the answer to this is B :( Because KE = (1/2)mv2, if they move the same distance and have DIFFERENT masses, the kinetic energies would be different no?
  20. D

    Solving Physics Questions: Scalars, Vectors, Displacement, Paths & More

    hi everyone I'm in my first year of electronic engineering and i have some questions which the professor of physics gave us but more as research than homeworks and to be honest i really tried but i didn't found anythings so I'm here to asking for your help 1- what is the difference between: (A...
  21. S

    Need opinion on a heat sink (concept)

    Hello, I want to share a very simple concept with you guys. Last night I randomly modeled a heat sink [the fan is coupled with a motor,cool air will be supplied separately(details are in the picture)], now please give your opinion on it. Will this system work? I don't know if this type of...
  22. M

    Temperature Concept: Emperical vs Thermodynamic

    what is the difference between emperical and thermodynamic temperature?
  23. R

    Help with oscillating spring concept?

    Is it acceleration? I found this graph online: Would the answer be acceleration?
  24. F

    Can someone help me understand the concept of energy?

    My teacher assigned us a lab, where we use a resource called "skate park simulator" to come up with a question, and then the resulting formal lab report. It involves a skater on a half-pipe, but I think it could be simplified into the following: Basically, an explanation to this question will...
  25. D

    MHB What is the steady state solution for a non-homogeneous 2-D heat equation?

    If we consider a non-homogeneous, 2-D heat equation, the steady state solution will be solving the Laplace equation. Therefore, the steady state solution will be an infinite series, correct?
  26. J

    Hi all,Im having a bit of trouble understanding the concept of

    Hi all, Im having a bit of trouble understanding the concept of viscosity in the scenario of a fluid between two plates, with one moving and one being stationary: what is the relevance between the viscous force of the fluid and the shear stress on the fluid given by mu(du/dy) ?
  27. T

    Proof of common sense when maths is lacking concept

    Ok, (an embarassing question) well I know an electric fan is relatively low wattage compared to say an electric kettle (while both on for the same amount of time). But also that smaller resistance draws more current than larger resistance, and by this logic (v2/R or I*R) the smaller resistance...
  28. Y

    Comparing work done(Please help me mark my concept)

    For both situation, the person oh the ship is pulling the rope with a particular constant magnitude of force, F for a fixed duration, t. Because the medium of force F is a light inextensible rope, so force doing work is in the form of tension. Treat both the person and the boat as an entity and...
  29. L

    Concept of Elastic/Inelastic Collision ?

    Hi, you guys! :) I am studying Elastic/Inelastic Collision my Physics class right now. So I know: Elastic Collision: P(initial) = P(final) ; KE(initial) = KE(final) Inelastic Collison: P(initial) = P(final) ; KE(initial) ≠ KE(final) I'm wondering how I am supposed to know right when I see a...
  30. D

    MHB Vibrating beam concept question

    If we had a beam fixed at $x = 0$ and on pin rollers at $x = L$, why would $u_{xx}(L,t) = 0$ and $u_x(0,t) = 0$. $u(0,t) =0$ since the at $x = 0$ the beam is fixed and $u(L,t) = 0$ since the beam is on roller and wouldn't have any displacement, correct?
  31. H

    An illustration on the concept of money

    Here is a funny story for your review: http://economistsview.typepad.com/economistsview/2005/09/yapping_about_m.html The gist of it is, on a small island the locals use as their currency massive (several tons) stone wheels. The stone wheels are so massive and difficult to move, they don't...
  32. D

    MHB Frequency Spectrum of a Vibrating String

    Given $\sin\left[\frac{\pi ct}{L}\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\right]$. The period is $\tau = \frac{2L}{c\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)}$ so the frequency is $\frac{1}{\tau}$, correct?
  33. A

    Problem in understanding the concept of acceleration due to gravity?

    This question may sound quite stupid but I am having a hard time understanding acceleration due to gravity. When a ball falls down from a specific height. Would its acceleration always even from the start be 9.8 m/s^2 or would it say initially be a different number and then come down to 9.8?
  34. T

    Curvatures in space-time: actual reality or mathematical concept?

    According to GR is space actually supposed to be bending around mass, or is the concept of "curvature" just abstract and purely mathematical idea?
  35. G

    Physics concept that originated from an animal source?

    I need help finding some animals whose application of physics in the nature have inspired people to use the same physics in inventions/different applications. Some animals I've thought of are: Bats (Radar) Dolphins (Sonar) Birds (Airplanes) Bats (Radar) These animals would be...
  36. G

    Physics concept that originated from an animal source?

    I need help finding some animals whose application of physics in the nature have inspired people to use the same physics in inventions/different applications. Some animals I've thought of are: Bats (Radar) Dolphins (Sonar) Birds (Airplanes) These animals would be perfect, except...
  37. G

    Physics concept that originated from an animal source?

    I need help finding some animals whose application of physics in the nature have inspired people to use the same physics in inventions/different applications. Some animals I've thought of are: Bats (Radar) Dolphins (Sonar) Birds (Airplanes) These animals would be perfect, except...
  38. S

    Am I understanding the concept of suction correctly?

    My understanding of suction is that it is a phenomenon describing the flow of fluid from a (relatively) high pressure volume into a (relatively) low pressure volume. This makes sense to me, as I grasp that air pressure is a measurement that describes a large number of molecules, each with its...
  39. M

    Understanding momentum concept

    Hello Please, if you UNDERSTAND WHAT IS MOMENTUM, tell me. I want to know, why do I need momentum, why was this concept introduced. If I were an ancient scientist, what's the problem that faced me in absence of such concept, that lead me to devising it, and at which basis did I choose my...
  40. mishima

    Help improve my concept of current

    I feel like my concept of current is way off. Suppose in a circuit there is a node in which you have a certain amount of charge entering per second. Since charge is quantized, this means you have a certain amount of electrons entering the node per second. Now I would want to say that if...
  41. binbagsss

    Function Definition / Concept - Codomain, range, domain etc.

    What must actually be specified in order for a function to be fully defined / or in what combinations if not all 3 need to be specified? I.e - from knowing the function you can determine the co-domain - e.g - if it is specified that real functions are going in, and for something simple like 2x...
  42. R

    Solve F=ma Concept: Urgent Help Needed! Where Did I Go Wrong?

    Urgent help needed with F=ma concept! Where did I go wrong?? Help please Use the exact values you enter to make later calculations. A group of students performed the same "Newton's Second Law" experiment that you did in class. For this lab, assume g = 9.81 m/s2. They obtained the following...
  43. R

    Turning simple concept of F=ma into a nightmare

    2. A group of students performing Newton's Second Law experiment generated the graph shown below from their data. Which of the following statements is true regarding the trustworthiness of the data? (Select all that apply.) a) The graph should have a positive y-intercept because a certain...
  44. N

    Concept of Distance and time. (basic question but no answer)

    Homework Statement Car P is 1km from finish line with a speed of 35ms-1 and a uniform acceleration of 2/5ms-2 Car Y is 1.2km from finish line going at 44ms-1 and a uniform accelr of 1/2ms-1 show that Y passes p 220m before the finish line. Homework Equations v2=u2+2as s=vt-1/2at^2...
  45. K

    About vector group concept of transformers

    How we speak about the coil of primary in phase of a versus secondary coil this is accepted (as there is on same core) But question about we say this transformer (ex) is vector group Dy11 that means phase difference between primary and secondary voltage is 330 angle ! It's conflicted...
  46. M

    I don't understand this Vapor Concept problem?

    Homework Statement If oxygen gas occupies 25mL at -25 'C and 65 mm Hg. What is the volume at 25 'C and 350 mmHg?Homework Equations P1+P2+P3=Ptotal The Attempt at a Solution I am really not sure how to do this :( I think maybe I figured it out. Please see below!
  47. F

    Space-time Concept by Einstein

    Good day! I am quite blur with the Space-time concept proposed by Einstein. Can anyone explain briefly on what he meant by that term(Space-time)? 3-D space+1-D time? :confused:
  48. S

    Can a Superhero Use Earth's Rotational Force as a Power Source?

    Hello everyone! I am by no means a Physicist, I am simply doing research for a new superhero that I am creating and I need to understand the science behind my idea and if it is plausible. A superhero that can channel the rotational force of the Earth to add kinetic energy to his...
  49. S

    2d Elastic collision concept and formula

    Would the 2 items displayed in the image below act as I expect in a zero G environment? Assuming that item A had a mass of 100kg and was stationary, Items B have a mass of 1kg and travel at 10m/s. what formula would I need to use to calculate the velocities and vectors of the items after...
  50. E

    The concept of work and types of energy

    The concept of "work" and types of energy I have read the other posts regarding the concept of work and still don't understand why distance has anything to do with it. Anyway, I thought that maybe an explanation of the following might help: Suppose you have a 1kg space-ship in an empty...
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