Koncepty a teorie významu
Petr Ocelík
MEB401 Teorie bezpečnosti a metodologie
1. 10. 2015
Outline
• What for are we using concepts?
• Theories of meaning formation.
• Essay summary.
What for are we using concepts?
• heuristics
• learning
• communication
• evaluation
Pareidolia
Concrete vs. abstract concepts
How is the meaning of concepts formed?
Conceptual realism.
1. Concepts/words such as “justice” or “security” make sense.
2. If a concept/word makes sense, we should be able to (consensually)
define it.
3. If a concept/word makes sense, and is not about some fiction, it
must refer to something real.
How is the meaning of concepts formed?
Logical positivism.
1. Concepts/words such as “justice” or “security” make sense.
2. If a concept/word makes sense, we should be able to (consensually)
define it.
3. If a concept/word makes sense, and is not about some fiction, it
must refer to something real.
Reference (picture) theory of meaning
How is the meaning of concepts formed?
Linguistic constructivism.
1. Concepts/words such as “justice” or “security” make sense.
2. If a concept/word makes sense, we should be able to (consensually)
define it.
3. If a concept/word makes sense, and is not about some fiction, it
must refer to something real.
Language games
• There is no essence of language.
• The meaning of concepts/words is formed by their family resemblance.
• “Don’t ask for the meaning, ask for the use!“
Language games
Discourse network
• A bipartite network that consists of actors and concepts.
Haunss, Dietz & Nullmeier 2013: 13
Essays: energy security
Essays: energy security
Essays: issues
Essays: issues
Essays ESS: energy security
Essays ESS: issues