Full Idea
According to conceptual role semantics, the meaning of a representation is the role of that representation in the cognitive life of the agent, for example, in perception, thought and decision-making.
Gist of Idea
The meaning of a representation is its role in thought, perception or decisions
Source
Ned Block (Semantics, Conceptual Role [1998])
Book Reference
'Shorter Routledge Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Craig,Edward [Routledge 2005], p.955
A Reaction
I never believe theories of this kind, because I always find myself asking 'what is the nature of this representation which enables it to play this role?'.