The Interrelation of Symbols
Meaning as the Context of Ideas
Understanding meaning as the context of ideas within a cognitive system is a rich and nuanced perspective that highlights how our understanding and interpretation of concepts are deeply embedded in an interconnected network of other ideas and experiences. In cognitive psychology, this view suggests that an idea does not exist in isolation but is shaped by its relationships with other ideas within the same network. For example, the meaning of "freedom" for an individual can vary greatly depending on other concepts it is associated with in their mind, such as democracy, responsibility, or autonomy. These associations are not static but evolve with new experiences and information, thereby altering the meaning of "freedom" over time.
Moreover, our social interactions and cultural background play crucial roles in shaping this cognitive landscape. The way we interpret words, symbols, and even gestures can differ dramatically based on the cultural and social context we are part of, which informs our cognitive network. This explains why translations between languages often require more than finding direct equivalents; they need to capture the contextual nuances that give meaning within that specific cultural or social framework. Additionally, this approach to meaning challenges the notion that ideas have an intrinsic essence. Instead, it posits that meanings are constructed through our engagements with the world and are continually reshaped by our interactions. This dynamic process highlights the fluidity of knowledge and understanding, suggesting that what we know and how we understand it is always in flux, influenced by ongoing changes within our cognitive networks and external influences.
This perspective is particularly illuminative when considering misunderstandings or conflicts in communication. Often, these arise not merely from different opinions or beliefs but from different cognitive contexts in which these ideas are situated. Recognizing this can lead to more effective communication strategies, as it encourages us to consider not only the immediate content of what is being communicated but also the broader context in which it is interpreted.
By thinking about abstract concepts like justice, rationality, wisdom, and virtue, it becomes clear that these ideas are not directly linked to physical objects but are deeply interwoven within our cognitive networks.
These concepts act as nodes in a vast network of ideas, each connected by a myriad of associations that give them meaning and relevance in various contexts. For instance, justice might be connected to fairness in legal settings, equity in social policies, and even retribution in moral discussions. Similarly, rationality, often linked with logic and reason, intersects with wisdom, which brings in elements of experience and ethical understanding. Virtue ties these concepts together through its associations with moral excellence and ethical conduct.
The relationships among these ideas reflect the broader cognitive, cultural, and philosophical frameworks in which they operate, demonstrating how concepts gain specific meanings from the connections and the contextual networks within which they are located. These connections highlight the dynamic interplay of knowledge and values that shape human cognition and guide our understanding and application of these lofty ideals.
In essence, viewing meaning as the context of ideas within a cognitive system offers a comprehensive way of understanding how individuals perceive, interpret, and interact with the world. It underscores the complexity of cognition and communication, emphasizing the interconnected and ever-changing nature of our mental landscapes.
Symbolic Depth
Diving into the world of symbols, we encounter two distinct categories: superficial and profound. Superficial symbols are straightforward, often tied to a specific object or concept with minimal room for interpretation. Take, for instance, a traffic light. Its symbols - red for "stop," green for "go," and yellow for "caution" - are universally recognized and understood, leaving no room for ambiguity. They serve a clear, functional purpose and are easily grasped.
In contrast, deeper symbols are multifaceted, weaving a web of intricate meanings and associations. When we first meet someone, our understanding of them is limited, akin to a superficial symbol. But as we spend more time with them, share experiences, and delve deeper into their world, our understanding expands. We begin to see the myriad facets of their personality, their likes and dislikes, their dreams and fears. This richer, more nuanced understanding is akin to a profound symbol, encompassing a vast network of interconnected meanings.
When we approach learning, a superficial understanding might mean grasping a concept from a single viewpoint. However, a deeper comprehension emerges when we explore that concept from multiple angles. Consider a mathematical theorem: understanding one proof might give a basic grasp, but being able to prove it in various ways offers a more profound insight. This multi-dimensional approach not only solidifies our understanding but also allows us to appreciate the beauty and intricacy of the subject at hand.
The comprehension of symbolic depth is an intricate, progressive process that is shaped by a multitude of factors such as exposure to language, cognitive growth, and social exchanges. The perception and interpretation of profound symbols can significantly vary among individuals, even when a single term is used to represent such a symbol. These interpretations are not simply black and white; they can be multifaceted and subtly nuanced. They are often crafted by an individual's unique life experiences, personal convictions, and cultural heritage.
Emergence of Abstract Connections Through Cognitive Depth
Imagine the brain—or an AI system—like an onion, with layers upon layers of cognitive processing that build on one another, each layer refining the data from the previous one. In both artificial intelligence (AI) and biological systems, these cognitive layers represent the sequential stages of information processing, where each new layer makes sense of the raw data it receives by adding more complexity and abstraction. Just like how our brains take in simple sensory information—like shapes and sounds—and gradually combine them into a complete picture, AI models work in a similar way, processing raw data in stages to uncover deeper insights.
In the fractal diagram above, you can see this idea visually represented. The innermost layer, shown in cyan, represents the most basic connections. In AI, this is where raw data is processed, identifying simple features like edges, textures, or colors, much like the early sensory processing that happens in the human brain when we first see or hear something. As we move outward to the yellow layer, these basic features are combined into more complex patterns, marking the first stages of pattern recognition. For example, this might be the layer that helps both AI and our brains recognize simple shapes like triangles or rectangles.
The red layer, which comes next, deals with even more intricate patterns—recognizing more complex shapes or contours, like a face or an object. Finally, the outer magenta layer represents the most abstract and complex connections in this model. This is where AI, or our own cognitive processing, is able to recognize not just shapes or patterns, but meaningful, specific objects or concepts, like identifying a face in a crowd or understanding the metaphor behind a piece of art.
But even this four-layer model is just the tip of the iceberg. Advanced AI models and the human brain have many more layers—sometimes hundreds or even thousands—that work together to create an incredibly sophisticated understanding of the world. These deeper layers are where true abstract thinking happens, allowing us to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated pieces of information. For example, in both AI and human cognition, deeper layers might link different fields of mathematics, show how early moves in a chess game lead to a checkmate, or even explain how a concept like fractals applies across a wide variety of phenomena.
As we grow and learn, we naturally develop more of these cognitive layers, expanding our ability to think abstractly and connect complex concepts. People considered wise, for example, may possess exceptional cognitive depth—layers upon layers of understanding that allow them to see patterns and relationships that others might overlook. Just as advanced AI models can recognize connections between data that aren’t immediately obvious, wise individuals are able to perceive the intricate, often hidden links between ideas, allowing them to understand the world in a more profound and holistic way.
The Vertical Dimension of the Symbolic World
Most people intuitively experience language as a flat semantic landscape—where words appear to sit side by side without any clear structure. But in reality, the symbolic world has a deeply vertical dimension. Some concepts are extremely general and foundational, while others are derived, specific, and dependent upon deeper layers of meaning.
This vertical structure resembles a semantic hierarchy, where high-level abstractions such as system, energy, or information support more specialized terms like feedback loop, potential energy, or Shannon entropy. The deeper one descends into this hierarchy, the more prior understanding is required to grasp the terms. At the very top may reside meta-concepts like God, Being, or Reality, which transcend and contextualize the entire symbolic structure.
Artificial neural networks have independently rediscovered the importance of such vertical structures. Deeper architectures outperform shallow ones because they learn to construct internal representations across multiple layers of abstraction. This mirrors the way human cognition builds deeper meaning: not by memorizing more, but by integrating more—seeing how symbols relate, build upon, and emerge from each other.
The evolution of the symbolic world is thus not merely about adding more vocabulary, but about increasing vertical depth. As civilizations advance, they don’t just accumulate new words—they refine structures of understanding that reach deeper into the ontological foundations of meaning. New disciplines, paradigms, and spiritual frameworks emerge as branches extending from deeper roots. To evolve symbolically is to extend downward as well as outward.
The Emergence of Cognitive Biases
As children grow, their minds begin to develop cognitive biases—mental shortcuts that help them make sense of the complex world but can also subtly limit their understanding. Two common biases that emerge during childhood are selective attention and confirmation bias.
Selective attention is one of the first biases to form. It's the brain's way of filtering the overwhelming amount of information it receives each day. Imagine a child's mind as a camera lens focusing on specific subjects while blurring out the background. Children start to concentrate on what's important in their social and cultural environments. For example, a child in a family that loves art might pay more attention to colors and shapes, while other stimuli fade into the background. This focused attention helps them engage deeply with valued activities but may cause them to miss out on other enriching experiences.
Similarly, confirmation bias emerges as children begin forming their own beliefs, influenced by family, school, and friends. Once these beliefs take root, they tend to favor information that confirms what they already think. Picture a child who believes that "sharing toys always leads to making friends." They'll notice times when sharing results in positive interactions but might overlook instances when it doesn't. This bias acts like a filter, allowing only certain pieces of information to shape their understanding of the world.
Our brain's network of beliefs and knowledge is like a delicate web. When we encounter something that contradicts one of our beliefs, it can unsettle the entire structure. To protect itself, the brain often rejects conflicting information—a defense mechanism to maintain mental stability. Think of building a puzzle where all the pieces fit perfectly except one that doesn't seem to belong. Rather than forcing it in and disrupting the whole picture, you might set it aside. Similarly, when a new idea doesn't fit our existing beliefs, we might ignore it to keep our mental "puzzle" intact.
This tendency explains why we often resist new information that challenges our views. While this helps preserve our current understanding, it can also prevent us from learning and growing. Recognizing when we're dismissing new ideas can open the door to personal development and a deeper understanding of the world.
These biases shape how children perceive their surroundings. They simplify and organize vast amounts of information but can also narrow perspectives. That's why it's crucial for children to be exposed to diverse viewpoints and encouraged to question their assumptions—so they don't get stuck in patterns of selective thinking.
The transition from the open curiosity of early childhood to more focused, biased interpretations is a natural part of growing up. It's the brain's way of adapting and deciding what's important. However, fostering environments—at home or in school—that promote critical thinking helps children recognize their own biases. By encouraging them to explore beyond their immediate experiences and challenge their preconceptions, we can help them become more open-minded and thoughtful adults.