The Nature and Ontogenesis of Meaning

Piaget's theory emphasizes the importance of meaning in understanding knowledge and development. This volume explores different perspectives on the nature and development of meaning, including philosophical, theoretical, and empirical approaches. It examines issues such as nativist vs. constructivist positions and computational vs. embodied mind contexts and discusses comparative, cognitive, and linguistic developmental dimensions of meaning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Throughout its evolution, Piaget's theory has placed meaning at the center of all attempts to understand the nature and development of knowing. For Piaget, all knowing – whether sensorimotor, representational, or reasoned, and whether directed toward successful problem solutions or toward general understanding – is necessarily a construction that arises out of meaning-making activity. It was in this context that the editors of this volume, originally published in 1994, approached the board of directors of the Jean Piaget Society with a proposal to organize a recent annual symposium around the topic of the nature and development of meaning. In forming this symposium and in moving from symposium to integrated text, the editors wanted to insure both a breadth and depth to the analysis of the topic.

Addressing philosophical, theoretical, and empirical perspectives, this issue-oriented volume provides an integrated exploration of the current understanding of the nature and development of meaning. Contemporary issues that frame alternative understandings of the nature of meaning – nativist vs. constructivist positions, and computational vs. embodied mind contexts – are examined as they impact on the investigation of meaning. Comparative, cognitive, and linguistic developmental dimensions of meaning are described and discussed.

The editors of this volume sought to ensure a comprehensive exploration of the topic by drawing on a range of perspectives and disciplines. Philosophical considerations delve into the nature of meaning and its relationship to the world, while theoretical perspectives offer insights into the cognitive processes involved in meaning construction. Empirical research provides evidence-based accounts of the development of meaning across different cultures and contexts.

In addition to these theoretical and empirical contributions, the volume also includes case studies and vignettes that illustrate the practical applications of Piaget's theory of meaning. These examples showcase how meaning-making can be applied to various domains, such as education, psychology, and linguistics, and how it can contribute to our understanding of human cognition and behavior.

Overall, this issue-oriented volume provides a rich and comprehensive exploration of the nature and development of meaning, offering insights into the cognitive processes that underlie our understanding of the world around us. It is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners interested in the field.

Weight: 757g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032549286