Naturalizing semantics? Beyond Cognitive Neuro-Reductionism: from Varela's Systemic Cognitive Neuroscience to Complex Realism Sociology

Is it possible to naturalize semantics? Starting from Libet's 1983 studies, current research developments in neuronal bases of behavior reduce the mind to the brain, with significant implications in reference to issues of free will, imputability and individual behavioral responsibility. However, many criticisms can be make at this approach. This paper shows the limits of Cognitive Neuro-reductionsm, expecially in the light of the Varela's Systemic Cognitive Neuroscience or Neurophenomenology and the current theoretical revision process of social systems as complex – dynamical, emergent and unpredicatable - social systems, or Complex Realism Sociology. Here, there is an agreement point. The conception of living systems as complex system as well as that of social system as complex systems acknowledge the autonomy of human reflexivity capability and free will able to initiates the chain of events that triggers the process of adaptation to environment and change and social emergence ones, and, in so doing, problematize a neuro-reductionist determinism of cognitive life and behavioral processes, with its dilemmatic consequences on individual social responsibility and, ultimately, on social order possibilities. This being stated, this paper reflect on dialogue possibilities between the Varela’s neuroscentific revolution and Complex Realism Sociology. Going beyond of the Parsonsian functionalism’social homeostasis and maintaining the point firm of social emergence and relationship between reflexivity and social morphogenesis, Complex Realism Sociology can dialogue well with the Varela's Neurophenomenology. The Lieb's disciplined analysis shows to be a fruitful ground for interlocution about the understanding of that Organism which cannot be liquidated but must be reinterpreted in its function, about the understanding of neuronal circuits that mediate free will and intersubjectivity, conscious deliberative intentionality and awareness of oneself and others, self-control, perception of time and risk, in other terms, about the understanding our ability to give meaning to world, to adapt or change it, to know, remember, desire, empathize, socialize, interact. In the Varela’s revision, stripped of problematic reductionist claims, Neuroscience can provide to Sociology a wealth of observations that contribute to the understanding of the bodily basis of social interactions and social order.