The mind considered as a system of meaning structures: Elementary meaning structures

Abstract

The phenomena of stimulus equivalence and motor equivalence are used in this paper to lay a foundation for a theory of meaning structures. A meaning structure is defined as a structure of classes of equivalent stimuli and classes of equifinal responses. Each such class is said to have both extension and intension. Perception, intention and expectation are identified as different aspects of the activation of such meaning structures. Whereas meaning structures exist in the form of long‐term dispositions (in long‐term memory), the activation of meaning structures results in the formation of short‐term dispositions (in short‐term memory)—ever changing meaning constellations. The concept of meaning structures is compared with other theoretical concepts like “contingencies of reinforcement”, “means‐end readiness”, “schemata”, “nodes in long‐term memory”, “afford‐ances” and “cathexis”. Finally, some implications for the psychological description and understanding of behavior are discussed.