Divisions of the physical world: Concepts of objects and substances.

摘要: Our concepts of the physical world distinguish objects, such as chairs, from substances, quantities wood, that constitute them. A particular chair might consist a single chunk yet we think about and wood in different ways. For example, part is still but not chair. In this article examine basis object/substance distinction. We draw together for first time relevant experiments widely dispersed cognitive literature, view these findings light theories linguistics metaphysics. outline framework difference between objects based on earlier ideas form matter, describing psychological evidence surrounding it. The suggests include relation unity organization governing their parts, whereas substances do not. propose, novel twist framework, function causal forces shape objects. agreement with idea, results identification an item object depend clues presence shaping relation, provided by solidity, repetition shape, other factors. also look at human infants source distinction conclude data support early origin both substance knowledge