Semantic technology is “meaning centered.” Semantic memory refers to a portion of long-term memory that processes ideas and concepts that are not drawn from personal experience. Semantic memory includes things that are common knowledge, such as the names of colors, the sounds of letters, the capitals of countries and other basic facts acquired over a lifetime. This was inspired by Seeker and their article, “Dogs Remember Even the Stupid Things We Do.”
How does this work in the canine world? Some recent research has shown that dogs pay more attention to humans than previously thought. They actually remember our actions and other events even when the occurrences didn’t hold any particular importance at the time they happened. This is called episodic memory, which is opposite to semantic memory. Thus the difference can be explained as remembering and knowing.
Any dog owner who uses routines and schedules in feeding and walking understands this easily. My dogs don’t just remember that they get a treat after going outside, they know it.
Melody K. Smith
Sponsored by Access Innovations, the world leader in thesaurus, ontology, and taxonomy creation and metadata application.
