Metaconceptual Frameworks and the Study of Human Infant Category Construction

Abstract

Dellantonio, Innamoratia, & Pastore (2012) consider different interpretations of the notion of a boundary, comparing specifically the metaconceptual frameworks of exclusive and inclusive separation. I elaborate the target article by considering what a shift to the strategy of inclusive separation entails. Specifically, it is suggested that this shift introduces a greater focus on the process of development, as well as a consideration of the ambivalence and emergence involved in boundary processes. Poetry is used as an example to illustrate these qualities of these boundary processes. It is suggested that when reading a poem, within the boundary of the literal and imagined senses of words productive tensions are created, and often in overcoming those tensions the person can arrive at overgeneralized, affectively laden meanings which guide future thought, action and behavior. It is suggested that in everyday life, the cultural construction of feeling follows a similar process, taking on a poetic form.