A SIMILARITY-BASED MODEL OF CONCEPT FORMATION. A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS
A SIMILARITY-BASED MODEL OF CONCEPT FORMATION. A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS

Summary/Abstract: In this article I undertake a preliminary analysis regarding the development of a similarity-based model of concept formation. The first part presents the new theory of concepts, based on the similarity relation. I show that only a precise concept of similarity can solve the problem of indefinite extension of the concepts formed by similarity. In the second part, I define and analyze in general lines the concept of psychological distance between objects, necessary for building a precise concept of similarity. In the third part, I show, also in general lines, how this concep can be used to build a similarity-based model of concept formation. I show the importance of “gaps” between classes at the reality level, which demarcation of categories must conform to. I briefly explain how these gaps can be captured in the model.

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