Semiotics

Semiotics - also known as semiology - is the study of signs, both individually and grouped in sign systems, and includes the study of how meaning is transmitted and understood. Semioticians also sometimes examine how organisms, no matter how big or small, make predictions about and adapt to their semiotic niche in the world (see Semiosis). Semiotics theorises at a general level about signs, while the study of the communication of information in living organisms is covered in biosemiotics.

History

The importance of signs and signification has been recognised throughout much of the history of philosophy, and in psychology as well. Plato and Aristotle both explored the relationship between signs and the world, and Augustine considered the nature of the sign within a conventional system, creating a body of theories that had a lasting effect in Western philosophy, especially through the works of the Scholastic philosophers. More recently, Umberto Eco, in his "Semiotics and philosophy of language" has argued the necessity to uncover the implicit semiotic theories in all the history of thought.

Related Topics:
Philosophy - Plato - Aristotle - Augustine - Convention - Western philosophy - Scholastic - Umberto Eco

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