It analyzes the notion of information conceptually, showing that it is not a simple concept, but rather comprises hierarchically nested aspects: structural, referential and normative. By defining form negatively as constraint, it offers a naturalistic account of structural information. It then addresses the normativity of referential relations through the concept of interpretation, introducing the notion of operational interpretation to explain the minimal normativity of reference. The book further argues that the three types of reference—symbolic, indexical and iconic—are asymmetrically interdependent: symbolic reference depends on indexical reference, which in turn depends on iconic reference. This semiotic framework helps to resolve many long-standing problems in the philosophy of language. Finally, the book argues that convention is inherently a semiotic concept. As such, symbolic reference has two aspects of conventionality: the sign vehicle and the referential relation. This semiotic explanation offers a deeper understanding of real-world communication scenarios.
The book will be of interest to researchers and advanced students in philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of biology, philosophy of cognitive science, semiotics, biosemiotics and linguistics.
It analyzes the notion of information conceptually, showing that it is not a simple concept, but rather comprises hierarchically nested aspects: structural, referential and normative. By defining form negatively as constraint, it offers a naturalistic account of structural information. It then addresses the normativity of referential relations through the concept of interpretation, introducing the notion of operational interpretation to explain the minimal normativity of reference. The book further argues that the three types of reference—symbolic, indexical and iconic—are asymmetrically interdependent: symbolic reference depends on indexical reference, which in turn depends on iconic reference. This semiotic framework helps to resolve many long-standing problems in the philosophy of language. Finally, the book argues that convention is inherently a semiotic concept. As such, symbolic reference has two aspects of conventionality: the sign vehicle and the referential relation. This semiotic explanation offers a deeper understanding of real-world communication scenarios.
The book will be of interest to researchers and advanced students in philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of biology, philosophy of cognitive science, semiotics, biosemiotics and linguistics.
Information in a Physical World: How the Meaningless Becomes the Meaningful?
172
Information in a Physical World: How the Meaningless Becomes the Meaningful?
172
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781041097259 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
| Publication date: | 09/08/2025 |
| Pages: | 172 |
| Product dimensions: | 6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d) |