how can physical symbols act upon semiotic structures and “visualized” meanings?
Prof. Simon’s paper shows very well how cognitive sciences can shed some light on difficult problems arising in textual (and in particular narrative) analysis. But perhaps it is too optimistic regarding the possibility of communication between the two cultures. For Prof. Simon-and I completely agree with his wonderful claim-“science adds to the wonders of appearance the wonders of explanation.” But alas! For many literarily-oriented minds, science, as wonderful as it may be, is identified with a dreadful scientism. But nevertheless let us be optimistic (as every scientist must be) and consider Prof. Simon’s main theses. I think that they are essentially right and raise many fascinating issues. I will focus here on three of them. 1. Semantics and Structural Semiotics In what concerns semantics, the thesis is that meanings are evoked and accessed through recognition and attention processes activating a chain reaction of symbols associated with them. This associative conception of semanti
