On compound mixed concepts

Abstract

We extend to a certain class of compound concepts the binary model classically used for the representation of simple concepts. This class consists of concepts that are determined or modified by a single feature. The treatment of such a mixed composition shows the need to differentiate between exceptional and non exceptional modifiers. In the first case, typicality is easily retrieved from the components of the composition, while, in the second case, it is necessary to isolate the characteristic features of the initial concept that contradict the modifier. The distinction between exceptional and non exceptional modifiers plays a key role in the evaluation of resemblance with mixed compositions.