In Concepts, Kinds, and Cognitive Development, Frank Keil develops a coherent account of how concepts and word meanings develop in children, adding to our understanding of the representational nature of concepts and word meanings at all ages. Weaving together issues in cognitive development, philosophy, and cognitive psychology, Keil reconciles numerous theories, backed by empirical evidence from nominal-kinds studies, natural-kinds studies, and studies of fundamental categorical distinctions.

"Keil is arguably the most original thinker in the field of conceptual development."
-- James Russell, Times Higher Education Supplement

"The exposition of the empirical studies is admirably clear, and the findings themselves are significant. For linguists interested in concept development and concept representation, and also for philosophers of language who are interested in the causal theory of reference, this book is valuable."
-- Paul Saka, Language

Frank Keil is Professor of Psychology at Cornell University and Co-Director of the Cognitive Studies Program at Cornell.