Philosophical Semiotics: The Coming into Being of the World of Meaning

This book explores whether semiotics is a methodology and if it can provide insights into metaphysical issues. It proposes that a philosophical semiotics must be a semiotic phenomenology of the construction of the "world of meaning" by signs, focusing on meaning and the mind. It exemplifies the semiotic connections in various schools of traditional Chinese philosophies, such as Yijing, Namistss, Yin-Yang, Vijñāptimātratāsiddhi School of Buddhism, and Mindist Confucianism, providing a rich understanding of the form of meaning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 122 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive exploration delves into the intricate realm of semiotics, seeking to answer a fundamental question: Is semiotics a methodology as widely accepted, and can the study of meaning and the mind provide insights into metaphysical inquiries, thus laying the foundation for a philosophical understanding of semiotics? The book posits that a philosophical semiotics must necessarily be a semiotic phenomenology focused on the construction of the "world of meaning" through signs. Central to any discussion of semiotics revolves around two core issues: meaning and the mind.

This book serves as a remarkable example of the interconnectedness of semiotics across various schools of traditional Chinese philosophies. In the "Pre-Imperial Age" (before BC 300), a flourishing of semiotic thinking emerged in China, encompassing a wide range of perspectives. From the ancient Yijing, the first sign system designed to explain the entirety of the world, to the nuanced arguments of the Namists regarding the form of meaning, from the profound Yin-Yang/five elements of the Han to the profound "Things are non-existent while mind is non-non-existent" principle of the Vijñāptimātratāsiddhi School of Buddhism in the Tang, and from the sudden revelation of Chan Buddhism to the "Nothing outside the mind" endorsed by the Mindist Confucianism in the Ming, the philosophical heritage of China offers a rich tapestry of insights into the form of meaning.

By delving into these diverse schools of thought, the book provides a comprehensive exploration of the semiotic connections within Chinese philosophy. It sheds light on the evolution of semiotic thinking, highlighting the rich tapestry of ideas and concepts that have shaped the understanding of meaning over centuries. This exploration not only deepens our understanding of semiotics but also offers valuable insights into the broader philosophical discourse, enriching our comprehension of the world and our place within it.

Weight: 377g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811930560
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022