B8836 - Universal Semantics (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows and can apply abstraction methods to interpret any kind of signal from a physical, social or cognitive environment, either inductively (pattern discovery) or deductively (pattern finding). The methods will leverage theoretical or experimental findings from philosophy, cognitive science, semiotics, and computer science.

Course contents

The course integrates computational and empirical approaches to investigate semantic universals across languages, modalities, cultures, practices, and neurocognitive systems. Students will engage in data-driven methods to analyze multimodal meaning-making processes. The curriculum balances theoretical frameworks with hands-on computational analysis, examining real-world phenomena like perspectivization, theory of mind, and conceptual blending through diverse methodological lenses. Assessment centers on a dedicated project integrating theoretical design with investigation techniques.

Readings/Bibliography

De Giorgis, S., Gangemi, A., Russo, A. Neurosymbolic graph enrichment for Grounded World Models. Information Processing & Management, 62, 4, 2025, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030645732500069X

Gangemi, A. and Nuzzolese, A.G. Logic-Augmented Generation. Journal of Web Semantics, 2025, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1570826824000453

Ciroku, F., De Giorgis, S., Gangemi, A., Martinez-Pandiani, D.S., Presutti, V. Automated multimodal sensemaking: Ontology-based integration of linguistic frames and visual data. Computers in Human Behavior, 107997, 2024, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_2ju5yg_3vxrQXW-KgP903DhNJ6csLan/view

Gangemi, A., Presutti, V., 2022. Formal Representation and Extraction of Perspectives. Vossen, P. et al. (eds.): Creating a More Transparent Internet: The Perspective Web, 2022, https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qmaoifmxwqfklvixs629n/WebOfPerspectives-GangemiPresutti.pdf?rlkey=e82o49dz4crwgf84yue0eiupv&dl=0

Teaching methods

The course will be given in 2-hours slots, with mixed lectures and hands-on sessions. Practical experiments will be designed on specific sessions.

Assessment methods

The final exam will consist of a project implementing a model of cognitively-inspired sense-making on a specific topic agreed with the teacher, and a discussion.

Students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders are entitled to special adjustments according to their condition, subject to assessment by the University Service for Students with Disabilities and SLD. Please do not contact teachers or Department staff, but make an appointment with the Service. The Service will then determine what adjustments are specifically appropriate, and get in touch with the teacher. For more information, please visit the page:
https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students

Teaching tools

Online and desktop apps with artificial intelligence capabilities will be regularly used during the course.

Office hours

See the website of Aldo Gangemi