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Olfactory abstraction: a communicative and metacognitive account.
Ophelia Deroy1,2,3
1Faculty of Philosophy, Ludwig Maximilian University, D-80539 Munich, Germany.
Summary
The study challenges the idea that smell lacks abstract terms. It suggests abstract labels for odors are surprisingly common due to social benefits, not inherent linguistic ease.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Linguistics
- Sensory Perception
Background:
- The difficulty in abstracting and labeling olfactory experiences is a common puzzle in sensory science.
- Previous research suggested this difficulty is culturally specific, particularly in Western urban societies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reframe the puzzle of olfactory abstraction, arguing that the use of abstract terms is surprising.
- To explore the adaptive and communicative benefits driving the use of abstract olfactory labels.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of olfactory perception and language.
- Examination of the social and communicative functions of abstract terms in olfaction.
Main Results:
- Olfactory environments are dynamic, making abstract categorization difficult.
- Concrete, source-based labels are evolutionarily adaptive for olfaction.
- Abstract terms for smells offer social benefits, increasing agreement and confidence in naming.
Conclusions:
- The rarity of abstract terms for smell is less puzzling than their actual existence.
- Social and communicative advantages explain the use of abstract olfactory language.
- Understanding abstract terms requires examining their role in social interaction and shared experience.
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