Exemplarism

Exemplarism is a theory in epistemology that suggests our understanding of concepts is based on specific examples or "exemplars" rather than strict definitions. For instance, when we think of a "bird," we might picture a robin or a sparrow rather than a generic definition that includes all characteristics of birds. This approach emphasizes learning from particular instances and personal experiences to form knowledge and make judgments, allowing for flexibility and nuance in understanding different categories and ideas. Essentially, it highlights the importance of concrete examples in shaping our knowledge and concepts.