Introduction

Using abstract concepts (e.g., "freedom") is one of the most sophisticated abilities humans possess. In this conference, some of the leading scientists in the field propose novel perspectives on abstract concepts, their acquisition, representation, and use. The first session is dedicated to the influence of inner speech and language on abstract concepts use and representation. The second session focuses on novel interactive methods to investigate abstract concepts and on abstract concepts variability across cultures and languages. Finally, the third session addresses the role of sensorimotor and interoceptive, emotional, and metacognitive aspects on abstract concepts acquisition, representation, and use.

TRAINCREASE

This symposium is organised as part of a new project entitled TRAINCREASE, funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. This project is aimed at strengthening the interdisciplinary field of research on the emergence, understanding and use of abstract concepts and words in human interaction, and its application to human-machine collaboration. See more in this link. 

We are delighted to extend this invitation to the symposium, which involves a stellar line-up of some of the leading speakers on the topic of abstractness and conceptual understanding. 

Using and acquiring abstract concepts and words is at the core of many research questions in psychology and cognitive science. We will devote a three-day free, online Symposium to review the state of the art and identify key challenges facing theory-building for research in this area, with some of the leading scientists in the field. We cordially invite you to this virtual event organized by BALLAB (Body Action & Language Lab), Sapienza University of Rome within the TRAINCREASE EU Twinning consortium (University of Warsaw, Rome La Sapienza, University of Manchester & Aarhus University). 

Conference website

https://sites.google.com/view/annaborghilab/conference   

Registration

Registration is not mandatory; the conference will be streamed to the TRAINCREASE YouTube channel (subscribe!). However, your contact information may help us resolve any technical problems that may occur (e.g. changes to the schedule or technical issues).

LINK to registration