What is conceptualism?

Response

Conceptualism is a philosophical theory that posits universals, such as qualities, relationships, and numbers, exist only within the mind. Conceptualists argue that the reality of abstract concepts is confined to a mental framework. Beyond the mind, these universals, principles, and concepts lack substance.

For example, let’s consider the question, “What is art?” For many, the term art evokes images of paintings, sculptures, and museum collections. A talented artist is typically seen as proficient with brushes, pencils, or chisels. Art enthusiasts might identify ink, paint, clay, and marble as artistic mediums. A dozen black plastic garbage bags filled with trash in an alley, awaiting pickup by sanitation workers, would not typically be viewed as art. However, if these same bags of rubbish were exhibited in an upscale gallery, some might argue that this constitutes conceptual art. The underlying philosophical idea is that “art” is a universal concept existing solely in the mind. By relocating the pile of black plastic trash bags from an alley to an esteemed gallery, it transforms into art.

What about concepts like sin, morality, righteousness, evil, justice, and goodness? Do these “universals” only exist within human thought frameworks? Proponents of conceptualism would assert that notions of right and wrong or good and evil are abstract concepts devoid of reality outside human cognition.

How does this perspective influence societal views on morality? Before the Civil War, slavery was defended on the premise that individuals of African descent were inferior and suitable only for menial labor. In the 1930s, the German government initiated the systematic elimination of its Jewish population, claiming these individuals were “subhuman.” If, as conceptualism advocates argue, universals like “right and wrong” exist exclusively within the frameworkOf collective human thought, then “right and wrong” are perpetually subject to change. In other words, matters of morality stand on the shifting sands of popular opinion or whatever climate of thought is currently in vogue. The adherence to such a belief is undeniably consequential, for, if the majority of people believe slavery is justified or Jewish persecution is warranted, slavery becomes an acceptable institution and Jewish persecution is deemed appropriate.

Is stealing wrong because human legislators enacted laws stating stealing is wrong, or is stealing wrong because God says it is wrong to steal «Thou shalt not steal. », (Exodus 20:15)? If stealing was decriminalized, would burglars and bank robbers suddenly become pillars of the business community? In truth, conceptualism runs counter to a proper Christian worldview, for believers look to the Bible as their ultimate source of authority (Psalm 119:105;1 Samuel 15:22-23;John 14:15;2 Timothy 3:16-17). Stealing is wrong because it goes against God’s nature and violates His Word. Man’s laws and customs do not negate what the Lord God has decreed.

Do “universals” exist only within the framework of human thought? No. Abstract concepts such as righteousness, justice, equity, truth, honor, and good are more than mere human ideas, for these principles existed first in God. The laws of man can never override the immutable laws of God. Furthermore, no manmade law can transform evil into good. A strict and unwavering obedience to God’s Word is our rightful duty.

What are we to make of political leaders whose conceptions of good and evil run contrary to the clear teachings of the Bible? The prophet Jeremiah warned, “My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray, turning them away on the mountains. FFrom mountain to hill they have gone. They have forgotten their fold” «My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place. », (Jeremiah 50:6, ESV). Just as wandering sheep are a wolf pack’s easy prey, a nation that has strayed from God will find itself under the dominion of Satan.