ISSN 1671-3710
CN 11-4766/R
主办:中国科学院心理研究所
出版:科学出版社

Advances in Psychological Science ›› 2013, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (3): 429-436.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1042.2013.00429

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Embodied Views of Abstract Concepts Representation

ZHANG Entao;FANG Jie;LIN Wenyi;LUO Junlong   

  1. (1School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China) (2College of Humanities and Communication, Guangdong University of Business Studies, Guangzhou 510320, China) (3Education College, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China)
  • Received:2012-08-06 Online:2013-03-15 Published:2013-03-15
  • Contact: FANG Jie

Abstract: Whether people are able to represent abstract concepts through experience of sensory and motor systems? This is a challenge for embodied cognition. From the perspective of the relations between sensorimotor information and representation of abstract concepts, Present paper reviewed some influential theories in embodied cognition and the corresponding important evidences. Reviewing the theories indicates that abstract concepts is grounded in perceptual information, however, how abstract concepts are grounded in perceptual information remains debated. Within Embodied Cognition (EC) approach, some authors emphasize the importance of action or situation for conceptual representation, this supports strong version of EC. Others highlight the role of concrete experience or common structure for cognition, this supports weaker version of EC. Furthermore, we should view conceptual representations as flexible entities, and integrate different views into more mature frame of embodied cognition. Additionally, future work should focus on the relationship between abstract concepts and language, and the difference in abstract concepts representation between normal and special children.

Key words: abstract concepts, sensorimotor information, language, embodied cognition