Derived Embodiment in Abstract Language

Více o knize

How does knowledge of phenomena and events we have no direct experiences of emerge? This work explores how abstract knowledge becomes anchored in direct experiences through well-formed conversations. Drawing on evolutionary biology and contemporary studies in cognitive science, neuroscience, sociology, and anthropology, it examines our innate sensitivity to the environment, the processes involved in knowledge formation, and the crucial role of language in categorizing the world. A primary goal is to identify the key interactivity mechanisms that govern cognitive processes during linguistic immersion, emphasizing real-life conversational interactions. While the concrete word-object paradigm relies more on direct experiences, acquiring abstract knowledge hinges on the interlocutor's empathetic skills. They must remain attuned to the child’s imaginative capacity, creating mental tableaus that evoke relevant images associated with concepts. This exploration of derived embodiment in abstract thought synthesizes contemporary neuroscience findings on knowledge acquisition within conversational contexts. The outcome represents a significant biology-based contribution to theories of knowledge acquisition and thinking across sociology, cognitive robotics, anthropology, and pedagogy.