Zhang, Jianqiu (2025) The Inferential-Connection Mediated (ICM) Model: Concept Reference and Evolution. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Despite decades of research in philosophy and cognitive science, the nature of concepts and the mechanisms underlying their change remain unresolved. Competing frameworks—externalist, inferentialist, embodied, and geometric—offer important insights but lack a unified account of how different types of concepts form, stabilize, and evolve. We propose a Systematic and Dynamic (SD) approach that examines mental content before and after concept formation, leading to the identification of inferential connections as ontologically distinct elements of conceptual architecture. Building on this foundation, we introduce the Inferential-Connection Mediated (ICM) model, which reconceptualizes concepts as dynamically structured entities composed of referential anchors—core subsets of inferential connections that fix reference—and broader networks that support reasoning, explanation, and communication. We distinguish among three types of inferential connections (observational, intentional, indirect) and classify four major concept types (theoretical, observational, subjective, and utilitarian), showing how differences in internal structure predict divergent developmental and evolutionary trajectories. The ICM model resolves long standing theoretical tensions—such as inferentialism vs. externalism, atomism vs. empiricism, and relativism vs. realism—by offering a unified, structurally grounded account of conceptual stability and change. We invite interdisciplinary commentary on the model’s implications for concept acquisition, reference, revision, and conceptual engineering across philosophy, cognitive science, linguistics, and artificial intelligence.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Zhang, Jianqiu zhangmichellejq@gmail.com 0000-0002-4812-4403
Keywords:	Concept formation; Concept evolution; Concept types; Inferential connections; Inferentialism; Mental content; Reference; Referential anchors; Structured concepts; Theories of concepts; Systematic and dynamic; Inferential connection mediated model;
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science > Concepts and Representations General Issues > Natural Kinds General Issues > Philosophers of Science General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism General Issues > Theory Change
Depositing User:	Jianqiu Zhang
Date Deposited:	19 May 2025 12:42
Last Modified:	19 May 2025 12:42
Item ID:	25335
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science > Concepts and Representations General Issues > Natural Kinds General Issues > Philosophers of Science General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism General Issues > Theory Change
Date:	16 May 2025
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/25335

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