Metacognition and Abstract Concepts

The problem of how concepts can refer to or be about the non‐mental world is
particularly puzzling for abstract concepts. There is growing evidence that many
characteristics beyond the perceptual are involved in grounding different kinds of
abstract concept. A resource that has been suggested, but little explored, is
introspection. This paper develops that suggestion by focusing specifically on
metacognition—on the thoughts and feelings that thinkers have about a concept. One
example of metacognition about concepts is the judgement that we should defer to
others in how a given concept is used. Another example is our internal assessment of
which concepts are dependable and useful, and which less so. Metacognition of this
kind may be especially important for grounding abstract concepts.