Generating Concepts: Guiding Computational Conceptual Blending with Image Schemas

Abstract

In the previous chapters, the formal aspects of representing image schemas were dealt with. Likewise, the role of image schemas in conceptualisations was investigated in the previous chapter. This chapter advances the work on concept invention by suggesting how image schemas can be integrated into conceptual blending, introduced in Chapter 1 as a theoretical framework for creativity. It includes two different approaches. The first focuses on giving image-schematic information higher priority to be inherited into the blended space. The second is to use image schemas as the foundation in the generic space. In addition to providing a series of examples of how this would look, the chapter also goes into details on how the family structure from Chapter 3 can be used during the blending to either strengthen or weaken the image-schematic structure in the input spaces, if needed. The chapter includes considerations and discussion on: Problems with computational blending Previous work on formalising conceptual blending Using image schemas in conceptual blending: i) As priority heuristics, ii) In the generic space, iii) Blending with the family hierarchy Examples of image schemas in conceptual blending