"prototype theory"的定义和意义

What is "prototype theory"?

Prototype theory is a cognitive approach to categorization that suggests individuals understand concepts through mental representations of typical examples or "prototypes". Developed by Eleanor Rosch, this theory proposes that within any category, some members are more representative than others. For instance, a sparrow may be viewed as a more prototypical bird than an ostrich. Prototype theory emphasizes that categories are not rigidly defined but are instead organized around these central examples, influencing how people perceive, classify, and communicate about the world. This approach has implications for understanding language, semantics, and how meaning is shaped by cognitive processes.