Symbol Grounding: A Bridge from Artificial Life to Artificial Intelligence

Author: Thompson E.

Source: Brain and Cognition, Volume 34, Number 1, 1997 , pp. 48-71(24)

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Abstract:

This paper develops a bridge from AL issues about the symbol-matter relation to AI issues about symbol-grounding by focusing on the concepts of formality and syntactic interpretability. Using the DNA triplet-amino acid specification relation as a paradigm, it is argued that syntactic properties can be grounded as high-level features of the non-syntactic interactions in a physical dynamical system. This argument provides the basis for a rebuttal of John Searle's recent assertion that syntax is observer-relative (1990, 1992). But the argument as developed also challenges the classic symbol-processing theory of mind against which Searle is arguing, as well as the strong AL thesis that life is realizable in a purely computational medium. Finally, it provides a new line of support for the autonomous systems approach in AL and AI (Varela & Bourgine 1992a, 1992b).

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: Department of Philosophy, York University, Ontario, North York, Canada

Publication date: 1997-01-01