Overview of Contributions

Abstract

The first papers address the epistemological status of representation and possible categorizations. These rather general considerations about representation are followed by contributions that focus on computational approaches, especially on how meaning can be simulated in artificial devices, and how meaning can be grounded. Solutions are offered on various levels, among them symbol grounding and system-theoretical considerations to representation. Various disciplines independently arrive at emphasizing the importance of actions for representations and the necessity to close the sensory-motor loop; examples from the perspective of computational approaches (“embodiment” into an environment), the neuroscientific perspective (“top-down” processes), the psychological perspective and others are presented. Several papers address the role of social interactions—in particular language—as a means of stabilizing systems, and in the emergence of meaning.