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ConceptsConcepts

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Concepts and TermsConcepts and Terms

Words or terms are expressive of ideas or

concepts.

Terms lead to propositions andpropositions lead to syllogisms.

To show the connections better, many

traditional logic books speak of the three

essential operations of the intellect, their

products and their external signs.

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Mental

Operations

Products External

Signs1. Simple

Apprehension

Concept Oral and

Written Terms

2. Judgment MentalProposition

Oral andWritten

Propositions

3. Reasoning MentalAgreement or

Disagreement

Oral andWritten

Arguments

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ConceptConcept

A concept is a representation of an object

by the intellect through which man

understands or comprehends a thing. A concept is an idea that starts with an

outside reality and apprehended by the

senses.

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ExampleExample

There is a table in front of me. I know

there is a table there because I see it.

So: from the table through my eyes, tomy brain. But do I always see the table

even if my eyes are focused on it? Do you

always see the person in front of you?

No, not if you are daydreaming orworried about a problem.

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There must be a message sent from the

object --- in this case, a table to the

brain, and here, other mental operations,

like memory, take over and there therealization, the formation of a concept,

is born.

Ah, theres the table, one says tohimself.

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Kinds of ConceptsKinds of Concepts

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First IntentionFirst Intention

A concept by which we understand whata thing is according to what it is in

reality, independent of our thinking about

it.Ex.: Man is really an embodied spirit; he is abeing composed of body, soul and spirit.

A dog is an animal. So, a dog is a creature

with only a body and an animal soul with itsattendant senses and attendant sensitivities

and intelligence, but all below those of mans

soul and spirit.

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Second IntentionSecond Intention

A concept by which we understand notonly what a thing is in reality but also

how it is in the mind.

Ex.: Modern Man is the topic of the Theological

Seminar. Here, we are not talking really of

modern man but only the term Modern Man

as the topic of the Theological Seminar.

Monte Vista (Mountain View) is the nameof my subdivision --- thus I am referring to the

name or term, not of the substance of the

term.

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Concrete ConceptConcrete Concept

A concept which expresses a form and

a subject.

Just like in grammar, when we sayconcrete noun, we refer to something

that can be perceived.

Ex.: Rose: I can see and smell and touch.

Kind, humble, beautiful woman, wherein the

woman embodies in herself the abstract

qualities of kindness, humility and beauty.

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Abstract ConceptAbstract Concept

A concept which has form only.

Form refers to the abstract quality,

which as in grammar refers to theintangible, that which cannot be

perceived by the senses.

Ex.: Beauty in a woman.

Kindness in a man.

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Absolute ConceptAbsolute Concept

Signifies the meaning of a complete

substance endowed with its independent

reality. All definitions are absolute

concepts.

Ex.: Man is a rational animal. Man is a homo

viator, a traveller in life.

Every dog is an animal.A triangle is a three-sided figure.

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Connotative ConceptConnotative Concept

Signifies the object as an accident

existing in a substance.

It presents a form without a subject. All modifiers are connotative concepts.

Ex.: drummer

studentall other things or occupations that a

man can be.

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Positive ConceptPositive Concept

Signifies the existence or possession of

something.

Ex.: alive, healthy, happy rational

Negative ConceptNegative Concept

Signifies the non-existence or non-

possession of something.

Ex.: death, sick, sad, irrational

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Singular, Particular and UniversalSingular, Particular and Universal

ConceptsConcepts

These will be discussed under terms.These will be discussed under terms.