Emerging symbols

Stefan Leijnen

pp. 253-262

in: Theresa Schilhab, Frederik Stjernfelt, Terrence W. Deacon (eds), The symbolic species evolved, Berlin, Springer, 2012

Abstract

Using a neural network simulation of a series of language training experiments with chimpanzees, the difference between indexical and symbolic interpretation is explored. From the results of the simulation follows a discussion about the systemic requirements for crossing the symbolic threshold and how the primacy of icons applies to computational models.