Conceptual Manipulation

Abilities related to Abstract Manipulation
Related Abilities	Conceptual Manipulation - Principle Manipulation - Linguistic Manipulation

Background

Conceptual Manipulation is the ability to create, alter, or eliminate concepts, which are the fundamental ideas or definitions that shape various aspects of reality. This power enables users to influence their surroundings by modifying the foundational concepts that dictate how reality functions.

Concepts can range from broad, abstract ideas like Time, Space, or Existence to more specific notions such as Energy, Life, or Death. By manipulating these concepts, users can transform the nature of objects, beings, or entire systems within their universe.

Each concept is intricately connected to the entities that embody it. Therefore, when a concept is altered, all related items reflect that change, making conceptual manipulation one of the most potent abilities.

While this ability is often associated with abstract concepts that exist independently of human thought, it’s important to recognize that non-abstract concepts can also play a significant role. For instance, altering the properties of specific objects or phenomena can yield substantial effects in a narrative, even if they do not possess the same universal applicability as abstract concepts. Characters may manipulate concepts tied to specific instances, thereby influencing how those instances interact with reality.

Philosophical Context: Understanding the nature of concepts can be enhanced through the philosophies of Idealism and Nominalism:

• Idealism posits that reality is fundamentally mental or immaterial. According to this view, concepts do not merely describe reality but actively shape it. Idealists argue that the mind plays a crucial role in constructing our experience of reality, suggesting that abstract concepts can influence the very fabric of existence. In this light, the manipulation of concepts is seen as a means to reshape reality itself, as these concepts govern our understanding and perception of the world.
• Nominalism, in contrast, asserts that abstract concepts do not have an independent existence outside of human thought. Nominalists believe that these concepts are merely names or labels we use to categorize our experiences rather than intrinsic truths about reality. This perspective implies that non-abstract concepts may lack the same power as those that exist independently. While nominalism can limit the scope of conceptual manipulation, it also emphasizes the role of human perception in defining reality.

Despite these philosophical distinctions, a broader understanding of conceptual manipulation can encompass the ability to engage with both abstract and non-abstract concepts, thus enhancing narrative possibilities.

Types

The following categories illustrate how different types of concepts interact with reality, focusing on their nature and implications rather than suggesting a hierarchy of power:

Independent Scope Concepts

These concepts operate independently of specific objects or instances in reality. They function as universal ideas that influence all related instances within their area of influence. When an Independent Scope Concept is altered, it results in changes that affect every manifestation of that concept, regardless of context. For example, the concept of "circle-ness" does not depend on any individual circular object; rather, it universally applies to all circular forms. Thus, changing this concept would modify the nature of all circles within the relevant reality, making it a powerful tool for reshaping fundamental aspects of existence.
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Dependent Scope Concepts

Dependent Scope Concepts are intrinsically tied to the specific objects or entities that embody them. These concepts shape the reality of those objects, and changes to them directly impact all instances related to the concept. However, alterations to individual objects do not affect the overarching concept itself. For instance, changing the concept of "humanity" would lead to changes in all humans, but removing individual humans would not eliminate the concept of humanity. This interdependence allows users to manipulate the essence of a group or category without being limited to the particulars.
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Contextual Concepts

Contextual Concepts function on a more specific scale, often linked to particular individuals, systems, or situations. They are shaped by their context, and while their natural definition would imply they have less influence compared to Independent Scope Concepts, this varies heavily on the effects it shows in their narratives. For example, a character’s personal concept of "courage" might uniquely influence their actions and perceptions. If altered, this concept could lead to profound changes in that character’s behavior and experiences. Contextual Concepts can sometimes overlap with broader ideas if the narrative allows, demonstrating how specific concepts can gain more substantial influence under certain circumstances.
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Applications

• Creation of Concepts: Users can generate new concepts, thus establishing new rules or structures within reality.

• Conceptual Alteration: Users can modify existing concepts to enhance, diminish, or completely change the effects of related objects or forces. For instance, changing the concept of "Energy" could alter how it behaves or is perceived.

• Concept Destruction: Users can erase concepts, effectively removing the fundamental ideas that support various phenomena, leading to the collapse or disappearance of related objects or forces.

Possible Limitations

• Conceptual Manipulation often requires a deep understanding or connection to the manipulated concept.

• Concepts that are overly specific or personal may have inherent limitations or resistances against manipulation.

• Entities outside or beyond these concepts' framework may be unaffected by any changes made to them.

• While abstract concepts are often highlighted, the manipulation of non-abstract concepts tied to specific instances can also be significant. Characters may have abilities that allow them to manipulate the properties of specific objects, which could yield important narrative consequences.

Note

• Concepts are varied in fiction, greatly changing depending on the ideology of the author, this is much akin to real life where concepts are over a multitude of different theories and ideas, so there will never be a true "consistent" measure. This is all to say, that the types of concepts listed here are not indicative of which is "Greater" than the other but rather what kind of concepts are being used within a fictional universe.
• While it's not intrinsically needed for something to directly say "concept" for it to be a concept, be aware of the ability Abstract Manipulation, which deals with abstractions that fall out of the usual metaphysical ideals in fiction such Essence Manipulation, Soul Manipulation, Mind Manipulation, Information Manipulation, Principle Manipulation, & Conceptual Manipulation.