Semiotics as the study of signs and semiosis[1] is very ancient.
According to Charles William Morris, the word semiotics originates from the Greek medical traditions that adopted sign interpretation as a way of facilitating medical diagnosis and prognosis.
Although its origin is medical, the history of semiotics is mainly linked with philosophical reflections: Over the centuries, philosophers (such as Plato, Aristotle, Saint Augustin, Leibniz or Peirce…, etc.) and philosophical schools (Stoics, Hellenists, Aristotelians or Empiricists…, etc.), have dealt with signs, whether directly or indirectly. (Morris, “The History of Semiotics.”)
Our concern in this course is just a few concepts and theories which were elaborated in modern and contemporary periods.
Summary
- Semiotics is ancient.
- Sign and Semiosis are at the heart of philosophical reflections.
[1] That is any activity that involves signs → sign/meaning production is one example. Cf. (“What Does Semiosis Mean?”)
Next: What is Semiotics in General? >
“Semiotics Has Existed Since Ancient Times” is part of:
Khettab, Sid Ahmed. Semiotics and Semiology: From Sign to Semiosis and From Code to Discourse [Course]. 2021. DOI.org (Datacite), https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.23509.55520. [Online Article]
KHETTAB, Sid Ahmed. Semiotics and Semiology: From Sign to Semiosis and From Code to Discourse. Independently published, 2021, https://www.amazon.com/Semiotics-Semiology-Sign-Semiosis-Discourse/dp/B0959N6111. [Paperback]
