Semantic Knowledge and Semantic Representations

This collection features groundbreaking research on semantic memory, exploring the cognitive foundations of meaning and knowledge representation, as discussed in Semantic Knowledge and Semantic Representations.

This special issue presents a collection of research papers from leading laboratories in the field of semantic memory. These contributions explore the fundamental question of how we assign meanings to words and objects. Traditionally, such inquiries were considered the domain of philosophy and linguistics. However, recent advancements in psychology and neuropsychology have paved the way for a scientific exploration of the cognitive underpinnings of semantic knowledge and its representations. The discussions surrounding the organization and structure of semantic knowledge have become pivotal topics in contemporary psychology.

In Semantic Knowledge and Semantic Representations, readers will find a diverse array of papers that include theoretical overviews as well as new experimental findings. The volume encompasses various methodologies for analyzing semantic knowledge, including studies on normal subjects, neuropsychological investigations of patients with semantic memory impairments, and computational models that depict knowledge representation in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive deficits. This multifaceted approach highlights the complexity of semantic memory and its implications for understanding human cognition.

This collection is essential for researchers and practitioners interested in memory function. Additionally, it appeals to cognitive scientists, linguists, and philosophers who seek to unravel the intricate questions surrounding our ability to comprehend meaning. By bridging theoretical and empirical research, Semantic Knowledge and Semantic Representations serves as a significant resource for anyone engaged in the study of semantic memory.