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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
14:38
Creating Objects and Object Categories for Studying Perception and Perceptual Learning
Published on: November 2, 2012
Beyond perceptual symbols: a call for representational pluralism
1Department of Philosophy, 313B Humanities Building, University of Louisville, College of Arts and Sciences, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. guy.dove@louisville.edu
Cognition
|January 13, 2009
Summary
Cognition may not solely rely on perceptual simulations. This study critiques the idea that all cognition is perceptual, proposing that both perceptual and non-perceptual representations are essential for concepts.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
- Psychology
Background:
- Emerging evidence suggests cognitive processes utilize perceptual representations.
- This has led to theories proposing cognition is inherently perceptual, centered on perceptual simulation.
- Existing arguments highlight the importance of perceptual representations for concepts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate arguments supporting the perceptual nature of cognition.
- To propose an alternative theoretical framework for understanding conceptual representation.
- To defend the necessity of both perceptual and non-perceptual semantic codes.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of existing arguments for perceptual cognition.
- Development of the multiple semantic code approach.
- Conceptual defense of non-perceptual representations in cognition.
Main Results:
- Identified several weaknesses in the arguments for inherently perceptual cognition.
- Proposed a multiple semantic code approach as a more comprehensive model.
- Demonstrated the potential role of non-perceptual representations alongside perceptual ones.
Conclusions:
- The view that cognition is exclusively perceptual is not sufficiently supported.
- A multiple semantic code approach, incorporating both perceptual and non-perceptual representations, offers a more robust explanation for conceptual structure.
- Further research should explore the interplay between different representational systems in cognition.
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