A model of interaction semantics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a model of interaction semantics based on system interaction and formal language semantics, offering insights into understanding meaning, interoperability, and the relation to game theory without relying on mental mappings.

Contribution

It proposes a novel interaction semantics model that aligns with formal language semantics and addresses key issues like common understanding and semantic interoperability.

Findings

Enhanced understanding of the link between interaction models and game theory

Identification of the 'simultaneous interaction and understanding' problem

Insights into the nature of ontologies and semantic interoperability

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to propose, based on a model of an interaction semantics, a certain understanding of the ''meaning'' of the exchanged characters within an interaction. Methodology: Based on a model of system interaction, I structure the model of interaction semantics similar to the semantics of a formal language: first, I identify adequate variables in my interaction model to assign values to, and second, I identify the interpretation function to provide meaning. Thereby I arrive at a model of interaction semantics which, in the sense of the late Ludwig Wittgenstein, can do without a 'mental' mapping from characters to concepts. Findings: The key findings are a better understanding of the tight relation between the informatical approach to model interactions and game theory; of the central 'chicken and egg' problem, any natural language has to solve, namely that to interact sensibly, we have to understand each other and to acquire a common understanding, we have to interact with each other, which I call the 'simultaneous interaction and understanding (SIAU)' problem; why ontologies are less 'semantic' then their proponents suggest; and how 'semantic' interoperability is to be achieved. Value: The main value of the proposed model of interaction semantics is that it could be applied in many different disciplines and therefore could serve as a basis for scientists of natural sciences and humanities as well as engineers to understand each other more easily talking about semantics, especially with the advent of cyber-physical systems.