Whether abstract concepts can also be fully explained by an embodied and grounded approach, is a topic of increasing debate. However, the theories that have been put forward tend to treat abstract concepts as a unitary whole in opposition to [the category of] concrete concepts; furthermore, in empirical research there is no agreement on the criteria for selecting stimuli. This study investigates the implications of these limitations with the aim of proposing an alternative research approach. We briefly analyze the differences between abstract and concrete concepts and the models used to describe their relationships. After introducing recent research perspectives, we highlight how the hypotheses of multiple representation theories are reflected in various psycholinguistic parameters that are useful for analyzing differences between types of abstract concepts across multiple dimensions. We suggest integrating the model of the monodimensional continuum of concreteness/abstractness, in order to provide an account for the varieties of abstract concepts.

Villani, C. (2018). L'Embodied Cognition e la sfida dei concetti astratti. Un approccio multidimensionale. RIVISTA INTERNAZIONALE DI FILOSOFIA E PSICOLOGIA, 9(3), 239-253 [10.4453/rifp.2018.0024].

L'Embodied Cognition e la sfida dei concetti astratti. Un approccio multidimensionale

Villani, Caterina
2018

Abstract

Whether abstract concepts can also be fully explained by an embodied and grounded approach, is a topic of increasing debate. However, the theories that have been put forward tend to treat abstract concepts as a unitary whole in opposition to [the category of] concrete concepts; furthermore, in empirical research there is no agreement on the criteria for selecting stimuli. This study investigates the implications of these limitations with the aim of proposing an alternative research approach. We briefly analyze the differences between abstract and concrete concepts and the models used to describe their relationships. After introducing recent research perspectives, we highlight how the hypotheses of multiple representation theories are reflected in various psycholinguistic parameters that are useful for analyzing differences between types of abstract concepts across multiple dimensions. We suggest integrating the model of the monodimensional continuum of concreteness/abstractness, in order to provide an account for the varieties of abstract concepts.
2018
Villani, C. (2018). L'Embodied Cognition e la sfida dei concetti astratti. Un approccio multidimensionale. RIVISTA INTERNAZIONALE DI FILOSOFIA E PSICOLOGIA, 9(3), 239-253 [10.4453/rifp.2018.0024].
Villani, Caterina
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
1.Villani 2018_L’Embodied Cognition e la sfida dei concetti astratti. Un approccio multidimensionale.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipo: Versione (PDF) editoriale
Licenza: Licenza per Accesso Aperto. Creative Commons Attribuzione (CCBY)
Dimensione 538.14 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
538.14 kB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11585/743546
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 1
social impact