Symbol Emergence Systems: An Interdisciplinary Discussion about Cognition, Language and Society

This open access book presents an interdisciplinary discussion about symbol emergence systems. From a semiotic perspective, language is one form of symbol. However, the concept of symbol emergence systems refers to a broader notion of symbols — those that emerge through shared meaning-making processes across various forms.

This book was written by over twenty researchers from a variety of fields, ranging from artificial intelligence and robotics to linguistics and cognitive science, as well as diverse disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. The book is divided into six parts.

Part I: Foundations of Symbol Emergence Systems
Part II: Symbol Emergence in Robotics
Part III: Cognitive Development in the Environment
Part IV: Embodiment, Mind, and Consciousness
Part V: Dynamics of Culture, Norms, and Language
Part VI: Symbol Emergence Systems and Beyond

With the qualitative transformation triggered by generative AI based on large language models, we have entered a new era in the environment surrounding language. This book will inspire readers to strive for a more panoramic and systemic understanding of symbols and language. The aim is not only to design AI and robots that can engage with language more appropriately, but also to shape a society that can coexist meaningfully with these emerging entities. This book is suitable for anyone interested in such a transdisciplinary approach.