Rethinking Meaning. Variations on Peirce and Wittgenstein
Abstract
This text is a theoretical reflection on meaning (to represent or communicate), inspired by previous conversations with Wenceslao Castañares. Following a chain of variations on proposals by Peirce, Wittgenstein, and their followers, it is argued that, to position the 'interpreter' as the key to semiosis, one cannot pivot on the subjective-mental nor exclude it, but must refer to sociocultural regulations, embodied as a habit. But, if we do not want to fall into a paradox, this regulations must be supported by public criteria for its application and by very general and implicit, but semiotically active, practical, interactive and material conditions. Meaning (semiosis) is, therefore, a continuous process, internal to the unfolding of existence, and it is jointly constituted with subjectivities and objectualities.
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