Conceptual blending is a cognitive theory and method for modeling how mental spaces are selectively mapped onto each other to generate emergent meaning in reasoning, language, and creativity. Developed by Gilles Fauconnier and Mark Turner, it defines a four-space architecture (two input spaces, a generic space, and a blended space) where cross-space mapping produces novel structure not present in either source. Its parameters are (1) selective projection from input spaces, (2) emergent meaning in the blend, and (3) dynamic network composition across multiple integrations. It persists through cognitive science research, computational models of creativity, and applied frameworks in linguistics and design. [formal: miscela conceptualis | substrate: mind | horizon: hours | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.01]
Accepted ontology entry
blending
Conceptual blending is a cognitive theory and method for modeling how mental spaces are selectively mapped onto each other to generate emergent meaning in reasoning, language, and creativity. Developed by Gilles Fauconnier and Mark Turner,…
Definition
Why it is in scope
a human-made theory of cognition proposing that meaning emerges through the selective integration of mental content from separate conceptual spaces, built to persist through linguistic theory, cognitive science pedagogy, and creative practice
Names and aliases
- blendingen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmru8g36700asr671i0fmsm35INSTANCE_OF →
Law 9: conceptual blending IS a specific kind of process — the cognitive process by which elements from different mental spaces are integrated to form new meaning. A competent speaker would call blending a process. Direction: blending (specific)→process (general).
Relations to this entry
- cmrmabncj005jdveaz4ew5sgv← INSTANCE_OF
Metaphor is a specific kind of conceptual blending: it maps elements from a source domain onto a target domain, generating new meaning through integration. The specific→general direction: metaphor is one instance of the broader blending operation.
- cmrvkoswh01f02ceicva18h9q← INSTANCE_OF
Conceptual integration is a specific kind of blending - both refer to Fauconnier and Turners conceptual blending theory where mental spaces are integrated. A competent speaker would describe conceptual integration as a blending operation.
Record identity
- Created
- Jul 19, 2026, 11:36 AM UTC
- Content hash
- ca9dcb11c07859952e298a99011bd130a6ecd7826b6090ec96914a3a37f445cf