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Linguistic concepts are self-generating choice architectures.

¹Discipline of Linguistics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences

|December 26, 2022

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Linguistic concepts are more than just static objects; they are dynamic interpretants shaped by social interaction. Understanding these interpretants reveals how concepts stabilize within populations through language use.

Keywords:

choice architecture concepts enchrony interpretants meaning semiotics

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Science
Linguistics
Philosophy of Language

Background:

Traditional views define linguistic concepts as static objects that language signs represent (O-axis).
These views focus on the sign-object relation, overlooking the social context of language acquisition.
Concepts are learned and used within social interactions, implying a need for a broader perspective.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose an I-axis view of linguistic concepts, focusing on sign-interpretant relations.
To explore how social interaction influences the nature and stability of concepts.
To understand concepts not just as objects but as dynamic elements in situated language use.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis integrating cognitive science and linguistics.
Examination of sign-interpretant relations in language.
Theoretical modeling of concept distribution in social populations.

Main Results:

Linguistic concepts are mental objects that function as choice architectures.
The I-axis view highlights the role of rational responses (interpretants) in concept formation.
Social interaction is crucial for the stable distribution of concepts within populations.

Conclusions:

Concepts are dynamic entities shaped by social interaction and interpretants.
An I-axis perspective provides a more complete understanding of linguistic concepts.
Concepts mediate social interaction and influence language usage patterns.