[comp.ai.philosophy] semiotics

jjewett@math.lsa.umich.edu (Jim Jewett) (10/08/90)

In article <24980001@hpopd.HP.COM>, richardh@hpopd.HP.COM (Richard
Hancock) writes:
|> You might find semiotics (the theory of signs) interesting - meaning exists
|> only through "common consent", ie. by the existence of a common
signification
|> function by which signifieds are associated with signifiers.

How does this function  become common?  How can two agents (eg people)
first establish that they have a common consent with which to establish
further communications?

Or is this asking whence sprang the first chicken?

-jJ 
jjewett@math.lsa.umich.edu       Take only memories.
Jewett@ub.cc.umich.edu           Leave not even footprints.

eliot@phoenix.Princeton.EDU (Eliot Handelman) (10/08/90)

In article <1990Oct7.191106.24276@math.lsa.umich.edu> jjewett@math.lsa.umich.edu (Jim Jewett) writes:
;In article <24980001@hpopd.HP.COM>, richardh@hpopd.HP.COM (Richard
;Hancock) writes:
;|> You might find semiotics (the theory of signs) interesting - meaning exists
;|> only through "common consent", ie. by the existence of a common
;signification
;|> function by which signifieds are associated with signifiers.
;
;How does this function  become common?  How can two agents (eg people)
;first establish that they have a common consent with which to establish
;further communications?
;
;Or is this asking whence sprang the first chicken?

That's what Derrida says, and that's why "there is nothing beyond the
text."