The mechanics of embodiment: a dialog on embodiment and computational modeling

Spivey, M. J., McRae, K., Fischer, M. H., Cangelosi, A., Barsalou, L. W. and Pezzulo, G. (2011) The mechanics of embodiment: a dialog on embodiment and computational modeling. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 5. (doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00005)

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Abstract

Embodied theories are increasingly challenging traditional views of cognition by arguing that conceptual representations that constitute our knowledge are grounded in sensory and motor experiences, and processed at this sensorimotor level, rather than being represented and processed abstractly in an amodal conceptual system. Given the established empirical foundation, and the relatively underspecified theories to date, many researchers are extremely interested in embodied cognition but are clamoring for more mechanistic implementations. What is needed at this stage is a push toward explicit computational models that implement sensorimotor grounding as intrinsic to cognitive processes. In this article, six authors from varying backgrounds and approaches address issues concerning the construction of embodied computational models, and illustrate what they view as the critical current and next steps toward mechanistic theories of embodiment. The first part has the form of a dialog between two fictional characters: Ernest, the “experimenter,” and Mary, the “computational modeler.” The dialog consists of an interactive sequence of questions, requests for clarification, challenges, and (tentative) answers, and touches the most important aspects of grounded theories that should inform computational modeling and, conversely, the impact that computational modeling could have on embodied theories. The second part of the article discusses the most important open challenges for embodied computational modeling.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Barsalou, Professor Lawrence
Authors: Spivey, M. J., McRae, K., Fischer, M. H., Cangelosi, A., Barsalou, L. W., and Pezzulo, G.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
Journal Name:Frontiers in Psychology
Publisher:Frontiers Research Foundation
ISSN:1664-1078
ISSN (Online):1664-1078
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2011 Pezzulo, Barsalou, Cangelosi, Fischer, McRae and Spivey
First Published:First published in Frontiers in Psychology 2:5
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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