Here's why:
* Concepts are mental representations of categories of objects, events, or ideas. They are not specific images of individual objects but rather generalized representations that encompass the shared characteristics of a group.
* Mental images are specific visual representations of an object or scene. They are more detailed and vivid than concepts.
For example, the concept of "dog" encompasses the general characteristics of dogs, such as having fur, four legs, and a tail. It doesn't represent any specific dog. In contrast, a mental image of a dog might be a specific picture of your own dog, complete with its unique features.
So, while mental images are a part of forming concepts, concepts are broader and more abstract mental representations.