Words as tools and the problem of abstract words meanings

摘要: Words as Tools and the Problem of Abstract Word Meanings Anna M. Borghi (annamaria.borghi@unibo.it) Department Psychology, Viale Berti Pichat 5 40127 Bologna, Italy Felice Cimatti (felice.cimatti@tin.it) Philosophy, Cubo 18C, Ponte Pietro Bucci 87030 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), This paper proposes an extension existing embodied views cognition in order to account for linguistic experience its complexity. We claim that should be extended consider not only language grounding but social normative aspects well. Motor resonance mechanisms based on mirror neurons are a necessary sufficient component this. will argue words cannot conceived mere signals something also tools allows us operate world. On this basis, we formulate theoretical proposal addresses one critical problems face: problem so called “abstract concepts”. Our extends assuming two simultaneous cognitive sources word meanings; individual one, experience, socially one. While having concrete referent labels “attached” concepts formed basis sensorimotor same situation does hold case meanings abstract words. In latter source is still embodied, primarily use word/tool. Thus represent means collect variety sparse bodily situational experiences. Keywords: concepts; grounding; society. Introduction accustomed sentences medium through which indirectly refer objects actions The these things what interested during sentences. Here something. contrary, propose must intended things/tools direct experience; kind own carried out (Austin, 1962). particular, following Wittgenstein, conceive set tools; each acts specific tool user specify activity: «Think tool-box: there might hammer, pliers, saw, screw-driver, rule, glue-pot, nails screws. − functions diverse objects. (And both cases similarities). Of course, confuses uniform appearance when hear them spoken or meet script print. their application presented quite clearly. Especially from philosophical perspective» (Philosophical Investigations, I, § 11; perhaps could critically say especially study psychology neurology language). assume all forms human experiences; implies “abstract” experience. point want establish such mediated by natural languages. form possible mediation modal entity, is, sound gesture expresses word. But whole story. Namely, because utter accompany with gestures, they real extensions our body, allow act context (Clark, 2006a, 2006b; Mirolli & Parisi, press). think assumption can help solve at least classical afflict every theory language, namely posed meaning words, freedom, God. showing comprehensive has simultaneously take into elements: 1. 2. communicate while growing up community; 3. precise uses how impacts activities thus everyday life. Limits According theories simulation view, understand correctly “bicycle” needs recruit system involved experiencing bicycle. Language comprehension entails mental described language; guide action, activating online “simulations” interact entities environment (Gallese, 2007; Zwaan, 2004). neural substrate idea resides recent neurophysiological discovery, F5 area premotor cortex monkeys humans, kinds visuomotor neurons: canonical (for review see Rizzolatti Craighero, Many studies support link between neuron processing. Despite impressive amount evidence collected last years reviews Barsalou, 2008; Borghi, 2005; Fischer Martin, Pulvermuller, 2005),