#318 Benjamin Bergen: Embodied Cognition, Embodied Simulation, Language, And AI
RECORDED ON JANUARY 23rd, 2020.
Dr. Benjamin Bergen is Professor of Cognitive Science at the University of California San Diego. His research interests include language comprehension and production, including grammar, word meaning, metaphor, profanity, and talking while driving. He’s the author of the books Louder Than Words: The New Science of How the Mind Makes Meaning, and What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves.
In this episode, we focus on embodied cognition and language. First, we tackle what embodied cognition is about. Then, we get into language (and meaning). We refer to the embodied simulation hypothesis, and to experiments to know the mental simulations people are performing. We also discuss the drawbacks of mentalese (language of thought). We ask if language influences thought, and how. We talk about different cognitive styles – verbalizers, and visualizers – and ask how can we even understand each other. In the final parts of the interview, we talk about how we get from simulations of physical aspects of existence to abstract concepts; what is embodied simulation really good for; and if we can improve AI systems with knowledge from embodied cognition and simulation.
Time Links:
Embodied cognition
Language and meaning
The embodied simulation hypothesis
Experiments to know the mental simulations people are performing
About mentalese
Does language influence thought?
Meaning varies from individual to individual and from culture to culture
Different cognitive styles – verbalizers, and visualizers
How can we understand each other?
How do we get from simulations of physical aspects of existence to abstract concepts?
What is embodied simulation really good for?
Can AI systems perform better by us learning more about embodied cognition and simulation?
Follow Dr. Bergen’s work!
Follow Dr. Bergen’s work:
Faculty Page: http://bit.ly/2LxwOz4
University website: http://bit.ly/36bekME
Google Scholar page: http://bit.ly/2RjB9Jw
ResearchGate profile: http://bit.ly/350au90
Twitter handle: @KhandisBlake
Amazon page: https://amzn.to/2RNfwjN
Louder Than Words: The New Science of How the Mind Makes Meaning: https://amzn.to/38fQ0ew