# Symbol grounding in computational systems: A paradox of intentions

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.00002 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2505.00002/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 1 of its 63 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 26 Mar 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Is there a future for AI without representation?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.18955/) (2025)

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Which symbol grounding problem should we try to solve?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.21080/) (2025)
- [Foundations of Artificial Intelligence Frameworks: Notion and Limits of AGI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2511.18517/) (2025)
- [Recursive Concept Evolution for Compositional Reasoning in Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2602.15725/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The paper presents a paradoxical feature of computational systems that suggests that computationalism cannot explain symbol grounding. If the mind is a digital computer, as computationalism claims, then it can be computing either over meaningful symbols or over meaningless symbols. If it is computing over meaningful symbols its functioning presupposes the existence of meaningful symbols in the system, i.e. it implies semantic nativism. If the mind is computing over meaningless symbols, no intentional cognitive processes are available prior to symbol grounding. In this case, no symbol grounding could take place since any grounding presupposes intentional cognitive processes. So, whether computing in the mind is over meaningless or over meaningful symbols, computationalism implies semantic nativism.