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Futures in Theory

Are neurocognitive commonalities the key to communication? On messages, shared brain responses, the barrier of meaning, and how it is being crushed by AI advances

Ralf Schmaelzle
Michigan State University

The 'Problem of Meaning in Communication' poses a challenge in reconciling mathematical communication models with human communication processes, particularly regarding the concept of shared meaning. Advances in neuroscience, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence offer insights into potential solutions, suggesting neurocognitive commonalities underlying shared meaning. This working group aims to explore these insights and their implications for communication theory. Key questions include what meaning even means, how it can be shared across people via communication, and how our discipline's handling of meaning relates to current advances in the neural and cognitive science/AI. Further questions are how inter-subject correlation can isolate shared meaning components and how individual differences shape related processes. This group will discuss the integration of these insights into communication theories, seeking to clarify and advance our understanding of meaning, and inspire innovative theorizing and research.