Semiotic and Cognitive Approaches to the Face: Between Alterity and Alteration

The article explores the interdisciplinary study of the human face through the lenses of semiotics and cognitive sciences. Derived from an international conference, the article delves into the face's role as both a biological and semiotic entity, addressing its significance in communication, identity, and digital technology. Topics include the influence of artificial intelligence on facial representation, ethical implications of digital face manipulation, and the face's portrayal in art and media. The paper emphasizes the dynamic interplay between alterity (otherness) and alteration (change), highlighting the need for collaborative research to address contemporary challenges in understanding and representing the human face.