Xinhe Wu (LSE): ‘Multidimensional Concepts’

Abstract: Many concepts are multidimensional: a cluster of different factors or properties play a role in deciding category membership. Examples include ontological concepts like identity, social categories like genders or sexual orientations, and many more. In this talk I develop a formal account that models multidimensional concepts. I also discuss, within my framework, what category membership amounts to and what the logic of concepts is. Finally I compare my account to Gärdenfors’s theory of conceptual space.

Xinhe Wu is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method at LSE. She works primarily on philosophical logic, mathematical logic, metaphysics, and the philosophy of language.

This event will take place in person on LSE’s campus. However, those unable to attend in person will have the option of taking part online.

To join online just follow these instructions:

• Download Zoom
• Register in advance for this meeting: https://lse.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdOigpzIoH9U5haaTkQe09V3jJe666UeK

Please note that these events are routinely recorded, with the edited footage being made publicly available on our website and YouTube channel. We will only record the audio, the slides and the speaker and will not include the Q&A section. However, any question asked during the talk itself will feature in the final edit.