Symbol Emergence Systems

This open access book presents an interdisciplinary discussion about symbol emergence systems. From a semiotic perspective, language is one form of symbol. However, the concept of symbol emergence systems refers to a broader notion of symbols — those that emerge through shared meaning-making processes across various forms.This book was written by over twenty researchers from a variety of fields, ranging from artificial intelligence and robotics to linguistics and cognitive science, as well as diverse disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. The book is divided into six parts.Part I: Foundations of Symbol Emergence SystemsPart II: Symbol Emergence in RoboticsPart III: Cognitive Development in the EnvironmentPart IV: Embodiment, Mind, and ConsciousnessPart V: Dynamics of Culture, Norms, and LanguagePart VI: Symbol Emergence Systems and BeyondWith the qualitative transformation triggered by generative AI based on large language models, we have entered a new era in the environment surrounding language. This book will inspire readers to strive for a more panoramic and systemic understanding of symbols and language. The aim is not only to design AI and robots that can engage with language more appropriately, but also to shape a society that can coexist meaningfully with these emerging entities. This book is suitable for anyone interested in such a transdisciplinary approach.