Semantics and cognition

This chapter is addressed to semanticists who are interested in studying semantic phenomena using neuro-imaging techniques and who wonder what might be the role of (formal) semantic theorising in such an endeavour. We first look at a domain (discourse) which, due to its temporal component, lends itself particularly well to the technique known as event-related potentials (ERPs). In the second part, we present examples of this technique, and we highlight the importance of formal semantic theories in producing hypotheses testable by ERPs. The third part ends the chapter on a cautionary note and discusses several methodological pitfalls.