(And an idea that works for central examples but fails for edge cases is an idea that fails.)
Ironically, this is not a universal criteria for the success of ideas. Sometimes its a very useful criteria (think mathematical proofs). Other times, its not a very useful idea (think ‘choosing friends’ or ‘mathematical intuitions’).
For example the idea of ‘cat’ fails for edge cases. Is this a cat? Sort of. Sort of not. But ‘cat’ is still a useful concept.
Concepts are clusters in thing space, and the concept that I am pointing at is also a cluster.
(Sorry for the long delay)
Ah, I see why you’re arguing now.
Ironically, this is not a universal criteria for the success of ideas. Sometimes its a very useful criteria (think mathematical proofs). Other times, its not a very useful idea (think ‘choosing friends’ or ‘mathematical intuitions’).
For example the idea of ‘cat’ fails for edge cases. Is this a cat? Sort of. Sort of not. But ‘cat’ is still a useful concept.
Concepts are clusters in thing space, and the concept that I am pointing at is also a cluster.
This comment on that post is especially relevant.