Cognitive Science Glossary: S–U
Cognitive science terms S–U: semantics, syntax, symbolic system, system, attention, theory, consciousness, Turing test, universal grammar, and more.
This section contains key cognitive science concepts starting with letters S–U.
S
Semantics
The study of meaning—the meaning of words, sentences, and other linguistic expressions.
Subfields:
- Lexical semantics (word meanings)
- Sentence semantics (sentence meaning)
- Formal semantics (logical meaning theory)
Sensory Memory
A very short-term memory system preserving sensory information briefly (milliseconds to seconds).
Types:
- Iconic memory: Visual sensory memory
- Echoic memory: Auditory sensory memory
Symbolic System
A system that processes symbols—signs representing something other than themselves.
Properties:
- Symbols refer to their objects
- Symbols can be combined according to rules
- The system can manipulate symbols syntactically
Syntax
Language structure—rules governing word and phrase order and combination.
Syntax study includes:
- Word order
- Sentence structure
- Grammatical rules
- Constituent structure
System
A whole of interacting parts functioning as a unit.
Systems thinking principles:
- The whole is more than the sum of its parts
- Relations between parts are critical
- Systems have emergent properties
Systematicity
Regular connection of cognitive abilities: if you can think "A loves B," you can also think "B loves A."
Argument for classical cognition: Jerry Fodor and Zenon Pylyshyn
T
Theory
A systematic explanation of a set of phenomena that produces testable predictions.
Properties of a good theory:
- Explanatory power
- Predictive ability
- Simplicity (parsimony)
- Falsifiability
Thinking
"Higher" cognitive functions excluding language; traditionally divided into problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making. Distinguished from lower-level processes like perception and attention.
Thought Experiment
A philosophical and scientific method for evaluating explanations and theories by analyzing their logical consistency and conceptual fit within imagined scenarios.
Examples:
- Turing test (AI)
- Mary's room (consciousness)
- Chinese room (understanding)
Turing Test
A test proposed by Alan Turing (1950) for evaluating machine intelligence: if a human cannot distinguish the machine from a human through text-based conversation, the machine is intelligent.
Criticism:
- Chinese room argument (Searle)
- Doesn't test true understanding
U
Understanding
A cognitive process where meaning is grasped or constructed.
Theories of understanding:
- Propositional understanding
- Narrative understanding
- Embodied/enactive understanding
Universal Grammar
Noam Chomsky's theory of innate grammatical knowledge common to all humans.
Arguments:
- Poverty of the stimulus argument
- Speed of language acquisition
- Common features across languages