The interplay between percepts and concepts is widely studied because of its importance in the functioning of cognition in general and learning particularly. Thus, Robert L. Goldstone’s work (indiana University) shows the grounding conceptual structures in the perceptual acts. Larry Barsalou (Emory University) has developed and empirically tested Perceptual Symbols Theory, according to which even abstract concepts are grounded in our perceptual-motor systems. Lera Boroditsky (Stanford University) has explored how our language and conceptual systems influence our perceptual abilities. Stevan Harnad (Uqam University) has done a work on computational models of acquired categorical perception, and philosophical work on perceptually grounded symbols. Ken Livingston and Janet Andrews (Vassar College, Psychology Department) have empirically explored the influence of category learning on concepts.

The interplay between decision-making and motivation is also considered by some researchers, such as Art Markman (University of Texas). Moreover, in a neurobiological approach of decision and emotion, Antonio Damasio shows that emotion could enhance decision-making in complex situations.

All these researchers and others focus on a part of the whole phenomenon, namely the path “Percept – Concept – Decision”, and have an effect on the issue of integration between cognition, emotion and motivation. We want to invite these researchers and the scientific community in general to orient their work towards the integration of cognitive and non-cognitive functions for explaining this process.