What is semantic memory?

Definition

Semantic memory represents knowledge such as definitions, organizational facts, entity relationships, and business rules without tying each item to one remembered event. It gives agents a shared vocabulary and factual foundation for reasoning.

Because these facts may influence many tasks, the memory needs authoritative sources, provenance, access controls, and a way to resolve updates or contradictions. General knowledge should not silently replace task-specific evidence when the two differ.

ELI5

Semantic memory is a store of facts and meanings. It answers questions about what something is or how concepts relate, rather than recounting one particular event.

For example, it might record which team owns a service, what an internal metric means, and how two project components depend on each other. Many agents can retrieve those facts when authorized.

Frequently asked questions

How is semantic memory different from episodic memory?

Semantic memory holds generalized facts and concepts, while episodic memory preserves specific events and interactions.

Why does semantic memory need a source of truth?

Facts can change or conflict, so authoritative sources and provenance help agents choose the current, trusted version.

Videos explaining semantic memory

  1. Kay Malcolm in a light attention-blue top on a black background beside the headline “AGENT MEMORY NEEDS DATA”.