The readings we had to do deal with prototypes and the categorizing of objects. It is interesting to see how sometimes there are formulas for objects within our lives. We collect a list of qualities that make up a category. If the object is missing more characteristics than the other, we consider it as less qualified. For example, you are given a list of fruits and have to rate them on their “fruity-ness”. What makes one fruit less of a fruit than another? If it’s missing certain components, is it no longer a fruit?
Another interesting aspect written in the article is about cultural boundaries. There are object we consider normal to us; that can be found in almost any household in America. However, that object will not always be found in other cultures. The example the reading gave is a saucepan. First off, not everyone…everywhere has a stove top and would know what It is. If you are exchanging recipes with a person with no stovetop, how would you explain the usage of a stove top and the cooking technique? It makes you think about how what is thought to be a norm here, won’t always be the case for the next person you interact with.
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