Sign Systems Studies

Front Matter

Editors — 2024-09-26

A formal model of primitive aspects of cognition and learning in cell biology as a generalizable case study of the threefold logic of Peircean semiotics in natural systems

Timothy Rogers — 2024-09-26

A formal model of the physical processes of digestion in a hypothetical cell is developed and discussed as a case study of how the threefold logic of Peircean semiotics works within Rosen’s paradigm of relational ontology. The formal model is used to demonstrate several fundamental differences between a relational description of biological processes and a mechanistic description. The formal model produces a logic of embodied generalization that is mediated and determined by the cell through its interactions with the environment. Specifically, the synchronization of the functions of pattern recognition and semantic attribution results in an open and adaptive learning system that is stabilized by a hermeneutic circle. The relational principles of biosemiotics demonstrated through this case study are applicable to other biological systems, as well as to the relational ontology of systems theory and relativistic quantum theory.

Semiosis and embodied cognition: The relevance of Peircean semiotics to cognitive neuroscience

Edna Andrews — 2024-09-26

Valentina Cuccio and Vittorio Gallese stimulated renewed interest in semiotic contributions to the cognitive neurosciences by bringing C. S. Peirce and his theory of signs to elucidate important notions that provide the foundation for understanding embodied cognition and its critical role in explaining both literal and figurative (abstract and concrete) concepts from phylogenetic and neurobiological perspectives. This is not surprising since Peirce always framed his theory of signs in terms of cognition, a point noted by many Peircean scholars (including David Savan, Ivo A. Ibri, Piotr Konderak and others). Cuccio and Gallese focus on Peirce at the level of Firstness, and include the important principle of abductive inference as well as iconicity (a principle of Peirce’s sign–object triad). In the following analysis, we identify other important contributions of Peirce for cognitive neuroscience and modelling of embodied cognition by shifting the lens from Firstness to Thirdness, from abduction and iconicity to Peirce’s theory of interpretants. Our analysis will include a presentation of the Peircean sign complex and its relevance in defining signification, semiosis, and synthesis (including acquisition, maintenance and production) of knowledge. Finally, we will argue that Peircean interpretants are essential to explicating the notion of embodied cognition as presented by Gallese and George Lakoff in their 2005 seminal work.

The passions as seen through the lens of Greimassian semiotics and cognitive science

Amir Biglari — 2024-09-26

This paper aims to incorporate Greimassian semiotics of passions in current cognitive science. Concepts such as passional codes, the canonical passional schema, and other central Greimassian notions in the domain of passions are mapped against ideas such as frames and layers of meaning within cognitive science. By integrating the two fields artificially kept apart, the authors endeavour to show how the resulting synergy could shed new light on the study of passions.

Triangle or tripod? Neither: A diagrammatic investigation into a sign’s visual representation

Thierry Mortier — 2024-09-26

This paper takes a look at the morphological structure of the two dominant diagrams (the triangle and the tripod) used in semiotic literature to represent the irreducible triadic sign of C. S. Peirce in order to evaluate their diagrammatic aptitude, i.e. allowing of deductive discoveries. Concluding that neither fully translates the properties attributed to the irreducible triadic sign on a visual level, an alternative diagram is proposed. This is a visual representation of the irreducible triadic sign that is directly connected with other fields of research, such as mathematics, but also with the work of Floyd Merrell and Paul Ryan and, most importantly, has the ability to bring both the pattern of a sign and the process of semiosis into one easily drawn diagram, the triquetra.

The problem of (re)generation of the past in Juri Lotman’s semiotics

Soo Hwan Kim — 2024-09-26

This article investigates the past-generating mechanism in Lotman’s semiotics by formulating a typology that distinguishes between two types of past-generating models – Marxian (as the repetitive compulsion of the past) and Benjaminian (as the redemption of the past) – and traces Lotman’s views and perspectives that resonate with these two models. Not only was Lotman acutely aware of the obsession with repetition in the history of Russia, he actively contemplated the possibility of breaking free from and renewing such repetition as well. While Lotman’s awareness of this was conceptualized as the inevitable persistence of a “dualistic structure” in the dynamics of Russian culture, his contemplation, on the other hand, was framed as an issue of transition from dualistic to ternary models. Defining the alternative approach of Lotman’s to the historical past as ‘the aesthetic approach’, this article examines his speculation on the specific cultural mechanism called ‘smuta’ as an exceptional example of Lotman’s interest in the “lost pathway” of the past. Through these explorations, the discussion illuminates Lotman as a thinker who, to use his own phrase, could see both “the allure and weakness of the Russian type of culture”.

Utopian semiospheres: Isolation and dialogue across borders

Artur Blaim — 2024-09-26

The paper applies Juri Lotman’s theory of the semiosphere to utopian studies with the aim of identifying the principal components and mode of functioning of classic utopian discourse. Without questioning the ultimate result of any interaction within a utopian dialogic situation, which necessarily demonstrates the superiority of the ideal world (no-place/ou-topos) over the external world of imperfection (e.g. Europe or America), it is argued that the encounter between the utopian and non-utopian semiospheres offers an interesting starting point for a discussion of intercultural translation and dialogicity involving two different mechanisms of sign production. Contrary to its ‘real-world’ counterpart, where the sign production is governed by asymmetry, binarism, replacement, and diversification, the utopian semiosphere relies on the truthfulness of signs, all-encompassing semioticity, unifying enhancement, and homogeneity. The hyperbolization of the opposition between the ideal state and the external world is metonymically reflected in the construction of the utopian state itself, with its centre and periphery radically polarized and separated by the impassable internal boundary. Although typical representations of the external utopian boundary foreground its distinctly separative function, multiple acts of the intercultural exchange between representatives of the two semiospheres expose the boundary’s translatory function.

Exploring domestic cat welfare: Gaps, challenges, and the role of zoosemiotics in feline well-being

Jana Tajchmanová — 2024-09-26

This article investigates the welfare of domestic cats by adopting a zoosemiotic perspective. It gives a broad picture of animal welfare in general and contextualizes studies conducted on cats within this, revealing differences in research foci compared to dogs. However, the main focus lies on the complexities of human– cat relationships and societal perceptions, which belong to the realm of ethological and anthropological zoosemiotics. Thus, we emphasize the importance of an integrated approach in comprehensive welfare assessments. Key factors such as increased human–cat interaction, societal constraints, and subjective experiences emerge as significant influences on cat welfare. Collaboration between veterinarians and behaviourists is encouraged, alongside with increased education of cat caregivers. Taking this line is supported by information gathered from interviews we conducted with Czech cat behaviourists. The article suggests a paradigm shift in research methodologies, proposing the use of zoosemiotic theories to comprehend alloanimal agency in general and cats’ agency in particular to enhance their well-being. The study’s goal is to identify the existing gaps and controversies in cat welfare literature (e.g. contradictions in devising best keeping conditions, insufficient education concerning cat welfare) by analysing relevant and recent studies in this field. Additionally, we aim to improve understanding of cat welfare as a complex phenomenon, and, with the help of zoosemiotics (umwelt theory and critical anthropomorphism), promote a comprehensive approach to the welfare of household cats in human-dominated environments.

Simulated animal and simulated umwelt: Towards a method of analysing and critiquing nonhuman animals in consumer settings

Andrew Mark Creighton — 2024-09-26

In this article I develop sociologist George Ritzer’s concept ‘simulated animal’ by focusing on rational systems, enchantment, and nonhuman animal corporeality and behaviour. I argue that simulated animals are nonhumans controlled, structured, or represented within consumer contexts. From this I develop what I am calling ‘simulated umwelt’. Simulated umwelt, as a concept, is a synthesis of zoosemiotics with Ritzer’s work and focuses on nonhuman animals’ experiences and representations within rationalized settings and consumer representation. This is accomplished by applying umwelt theory and analysis to the subjective experiential aspect of simulated animals via umwelt construction, in the ongoing pursuit of descriptive and critical approaches to nonhuman animals closely connected to consumption. I conclude by emphasizing the utility of simulated umwelt reconstruction for facilitating “truly” intersubjective descriptions of nonhuman experience.

The silent war on signs: Unpacking the concept of semiocide and its implications for the Baha’i community in Iran

Erfan Fatehi — 2024-09-26

Within the field of conflict and violence studies, there exists a range of subtle yet profound forms of violence that often remain underexplored. This paper addresses the concept of semiocide, which refers to the destruction of culturally significant signs, stories, symbols, and narratives. Through unpacking of the theoretical foundations of semiocide, the study highlights its distinct nature and potential for further exploration in cultural violence and conflict studies. Utilizing content analysis of various media sources, the study examines the semiocidal practices perpetrated against the Baha’i community in Iran. The findings illustrate the systematic erasure and manipulation of the Baha’i cultural identity through three semiocidal mechanisms. These insights shed light on the complex dynamics of cultural violence, not only within the specific context of Iran but also providing valuable implications for understanding similar phenomena in other socio-cultural contexts. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this study offers a nuanced discussion of semiocide, contributing to a broader comprehension of cultural violence and cultural hegemony, and thereby enriching the discourse in conflict and violence studies.

Guiding interpretation towards deproblematization: A video interview with a Climate Change denier analysed as conspiracy theory

Heidi Campana Piva — 2024-09-26

Climate Change disinformation is causing lasting damage to both sociopolitical spheres and our very own biosphere. The present article identifies the meaning-making mechanisms of Climate Change conspiratorial discourse on social media by analysing the YouTube video Why I Said Global Warming is the Biggest Fraud in History, which had reached more than 758,000 views (May 2023) before the channel was deleted (August 2023). A qualitative empirical semiotic analysis was carried out focusing on discourse in which Climate Change denial is understood as conspiracy theory, that is, a mode of interpretation. The analysed conspiracy discourse creates identities and shapes social relations in the form of dichotomic oppositions/conflicts between those who spread illegitimate information (the enemy) and those with access to the truth (a symbolic elite). In this context, the fragmentation of science into “real” and “fake” is as dangerous as the scientific community’s loss of authority. The analysis of this video shows how Climate Change is represented as a fraud and how possible policy responses to it are therefore represented as scams. The main effect of such discourse is deproblematization, for it provides people with reasons to reject proposals for actions that seek to mitigate the climate crisis.

Language is not a thing: it is a practice! A conversation with Patrick Sériot

E. Israel Chávez Barreto — 2024-09-26

This interview with Patrick Sériot, a scholar of the history and epistemology of linguistic theories, presents some small aspects of his engagement with linguistics in his early years, and thereafter discusses the problem of the interrelationships between culture and language sciences by tackling the question to which extent culture shapes the idea of language and, correspondingly, to which extent such an idea of language shapes linguistic research. The conversation then moves on to the issues of meaning, translation, and the ways of determining the context of a given work, mainly discussing examples of Sériot’s own works. In its final part, the interview deals with the problem of the social commitments of linguistics, and how we, as linguists, may contribute to the solving of social problems.