Science Without Concepts

Abstract

The constant presence of concepts in science, in face of a recurrent skepticism of their value, sets the problem as to the role of the scientific concept. Psychologically, the concepts functions to circumvent obstacles in the field of perception and so release activity along new lines. In this way the scientific concept makes possible the solution of problems in the field of science. The scientific concept enables the isolation and identification of an abstracted content in experience with may become the subject of a separate study. Functionally, the scientific concept (1) introduces a new orientation or point of view, (2) serves as an instrument of handling one's environment, and (3) makes possible deductive reasoning and so the anticipation of new experience. Improper usage of the concept arises when it is accepted as an ultimate and kept apart from the realm of perception.