Introducing Semiotic: Its History and Doctrine

by John N. Deely, Thomas Albert Sebeok (Foreword)

The appeal of semiotics lies in its apparent ability to establish a common framework for all disciplines, a framework rooted in the understanding of the sign as the universal means of communication. Introducing Semiotic provides a synoptic view of semiotic development, covering for the first time all the previous epochs of Western philosophy, from the pre-Socratics to the present. In particular, the book bridges the gap from St. Augustine (5th c.) to John Locke (17th c.). It delineates the foundations of contemporary semiotics and concretely reveals just how integral and fundamental the semiotic point of view really is to Western culture. Because of its clarity of exposition and careful use of primary sources, Introducing Semiotic will be an essential textbook for all courses in semiotics.

Genres: Semiotics, Theory, Philosophy

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Anthony Vecchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for those with a preexisting knowledge of the history of philosophy looking to get some perspective on semiotics. Seems to be a reworking of Deely's 1981 "The Relationship of Logic to Semiotics." We get several inklings, too, of what he would later consolidate into his excellent 2001 _Four Ages of Understanding_.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful introduction to the philosophy of signs known as semiotics. This was a wonderful introduction to the history of this doctrine, from Ancient Greece to present day. The primary takeaway for me was how underappreciated John of St. Thomas is as a logician and thinker. His contributions to semiotics and logic are incredible. The section on the anthropological impacts of semiotics was great as well and is of vital importance in the age of so called “Artificial Intelligence.”