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Learning Concepts: A Learning-Theoretic Solution to the Complex-First Paradox

Poth, Nina Laura and Brössel, Peter (2019) Learning Concepts: A Learning-Theoretic Solution to the Complex-First Paradox. Philosophy of Science. ISSN 0031-8248

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Abstract

Children acquire complex concepts like DOG earlier than simple concepts like BROWN, even though our best neuroscientific theories suggest that learning the former is harder than learning the latter and, thus, should take more time (Werning2010). This is the Complex- First Paradox. We present a novel solution to the Complex-First Paradox. Our solution builds on a generalization of Xu and Tenenbaum’s (XTB07a) Bayesian model of word learning. By focusing on a rational theory of concept learning, we show that it is easier to infer the meaning of complex concepts than that of simple concepts.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Poth, Nina Laura
Brössel, Peter
Keywords: Bayesian Cognitive Science, Concepts, Concept Learning
Depositing User: Dr Peter Brössel
Date Deposited: 14 Oct 2019 03:36
Last Modified: 14 Oct 2019 03:36
Item ID: 16518
Journal or Publication Title: Philosophy of Science
Official URL: http://doi.org/10.1086/706077
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1086/706077
Date: 2019
ISSN: 0031-8248
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/16518

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