General Semantics

General semantics is an educational discipline created by Alfred Korzybski (1879-1950) during the years 1919 to 1933. General semantics (GS) is distinct from semantics, a different subject.

Related Topics:
Alfred Korzybski - Semantics

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The three major premises of the system are

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• the map is not the territory it represents
• the map does not show all of the territory it represents and
• the map is self-reflexive.

The mapmakers are us human beings, the territory is 'reality.' The goal of the system is to develop a continual consciousness of the limitations expressed by the map-territory paradigm, together with routine checking of our reactions to, and impressions of, the world (our maps) with what is actually going on in the world (the territory). These nonverbal as well as verbal reactions and impressions (which include sensations and feelings) are considered abstractions provoked or derived from our physical, biochemical, and neuro-semantic environments. The hope is that 'consciousness of abstracting' would give one the freedom, as in science, to revise even fundamental assumptions, if necessary. According to GS theory, the most accurate and reliable maps at a date are made by science.

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General Semantics: Other aspects of the system ►