Using conceptual knowledge in action and language

Abstract

Action semantics refer to the conceptual knowledge that is necessary to guide our actions and can be defined in terms of action goals and action means. The present chapter outlines the concept of action semantics and presents a review of the existing literature dealing with functional mechanisms underlying conceptual knowledge and goal-directed behavior. Recent empirical findings are presented which indicate that semantic information is selected in a flexible manner in accordance with the action intention of the actor, whereby long-term conceptual associations may be overruled by current behavioral goals. These results extend the selection-for-action principle beyond perception to include the selection of semantic information that is relevant for the upcoming action. Findings are interpreted within the light of contemporary models of conceptual knowledge in action.