Berkeley's concept of prototype

George Berkeley’s concept of a prototype relates to the idea that our understanding of categories depends on ideal models or examples we hold in mind. These prototypes serve as mental standards for recognizing and classifying objects or concepts. For instance, when thinking of a "bird," the prototype might include features like feathers, wings, and flight. Our brains compare real objects to these mental prototypes to determine if they fit the category. Berkeley’s emphasis is on the mind’s role in forming these mental standards, highlighting that our perceptions and concepts are shaped by our mental representations rather than external substances alone.