A guide to the galaxy of associations

‘Association’ is certainly one of the most prevalent terms in cognitive sciences. However, its diversity of meanings is underestimated. We show that dozens of expressions are used to denote ‘associative' phenomena, mechanisms or models, which constitute an overwhelming galaxy of terms and hamper understanding of an apparently simple concept: association. This semantic divergence brings along conceptual issues and prevent associative accounts of brain function or behavior from being properly articulated, understood and criticized. We propose four main, distinct concepts that allow to clarify and identify what researchers mean with ‘association’ across various disciplines: neuroscience, psychology, AI, linguistics, philosophy. By providing clear definitions of the four concepts, together with guidance in assigning term meaning, we hope to promote interdisciplinary collaboration around the central explanatory notion of association, and acceptance of its complexity and richness.