As far as Hägerström understood it, concepts determine existing objects, but only with reference to prior,“existing” concepts used to define, determine, and classify perceptions and the objects that cause them.79 It is by means of concepts that the sensible object becomes distinguished from other objects on objective grounds, especially as the real concept differentiates itself from everything else.80 A negation is thus also a determination. Determinations themselves are thus not abstract differences. On the contrary, they are concrete differences that can be used to indicate in what manner objects differ from one another. The differentiation of concepts is conducted by means of the logical relationships existing between different concepts, hence conceptual differentiation is caused by conceptually external factors. (However, in Das Prinzip der Wissenschaft Hägerström describes the differentiation between concepts as caused by factors internal to the concept).81 In addition, since particular objects are only possible to determine through concepts, the concepts themselves must constitute central (objective) elements in knowledge, but nevertheless they simultaneously appear to constitute the results of purely subjective functions.82 It is as if a concept was impossible to determine on purely objective grounds.83 Hence, the previously asked question of where the logical foundation for the validity of the objective conceptions is to be found resurfaces.84 Is this foundation to be found on the subjective or the objective side of the cognitive constellation?85 When determining concepts there are two alternatives: First, that an object’s reality is determined by the fact that a specific object p a r t i i i , c h a p t e r 2 194 79 Hägerström, “B. o. F.,” pp. 78-80 and 81-83. 80 Ibid., pp. 78-79. 81 Cf. ibid., pp. 85-86 and 96-98. 82 Cf. ibid., pp. 78-80. 83 Cf. ibid. 84 Ibid., p. 79. 85 Cf. ibid., pp. 78-80. 2 . 7 the dete rminat ion of obj ects
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