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2 results

  • Chapter 5 - Different Varieties of Abstract Concepts

  • from Part II - Abstractness and Language
  • Anna M. Borghi, University of Rome
  • Book:
    The Freedom of Words
    Published online:
    20 July 2023
    Print publication:
    10 August 2023, pp 153-181

  • Summary

    Chapter 5 is the first chapter of the second part of the book and focuses on abstract concepts – more generally, on abstractness. I first define abstract concepts and illustrate their main characteristics, comparing them with concrete ones. I contend that there is no major opposition between concrete and abstract concepts and that many concepts have both abstract and concrete components. In addition, different varieties of abstract concepts exist. Thus, the different kinds of concrete and abstract concepts can be conceived of as points in a multidimensional space, defined by various features and dimensions. I then focus on the different subkinds of abstract concepts, including emotions and mental states, numerical and spatiotemporal concepts, self and social concepts, and spiritual and philosophical concepts. Finally, I outline the central tenets of the Words As social Tools (WAT) theory on abstractness. According to the WAT view, abstract concepts evoke perception and action but especially activate inner bodily experiences, including interoceptive, emotional, and metacognitive ones. Crucially, the WAT view ascribes a unique role to language and social interaction for abstract concept acquisition and use. Finally, it underscores the flexible and context-dependent character of abstract concepts.

  • 10 - Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

  • Edited by Peter Manu, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York
  • Book:
    Functional Somatic Syndromes
    Published online:
    08 January 2010
    Print publication:
    10 December 1998, pp 202-218

  • Summary

    The concept of an illness with subjective wide-ranging symptoms triggered by exposure to numerous environmental chemicals, called multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), has existed for at least 40 years, but it remains controversial. No studies to date have been carried out to assess the prevalence of patients with the diagnosis of MCS in any community. The basis for the diagnosis of MCS has been examined by a number of investigators and found to be arbitrary and predicated solely on the fact or perception by the patient that a harmful environmental exposure had occurred and was responsible for subsequent symptoms. Theories of the etiology and pathogenesis of MCS are numerous and frequently change. They encompass physical, psychological and social concepts. Psychopharmacology in MCS treatment is frequently recommended, although without specific data on results. MCS has many features in common with other controversial syndromes such as the chronic fatigue syndrome.