C.S. Peirce's semiotics. Philosophical and psychosomatic considerations

MA-IB: III(SC,VV), V
Master Ethik: III(MEZ), V
BA: WP NW Grenzfragen, WP Interkulturalität
MAkons: III(GN,EG)

in cooperation with David Weise

Semiotics is the study of signs and sign systems and, in large part, this field of study has its contemporary origins in the work of the American philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce. In Philosophy Peirce is most recognized for the development of pragmatism and his distinctive theory of truth. But in the broader academic world, his theory of signs and significations has taken root and marks a lasting and multifaceted contribution; it is this contribution that will be the focus of the course. Peirce’s semiotics proposes a three-part triadic model consisting of an interpretant, representamen, and an object. His semiotics is deeply tied to his other philosophical endeavors so that an understanding of the one, is considerably aided by understanding the other. The goal of this seminar is to make sense of Peirce’s theory of signs—to understand how this system works, how it is tied to the rest of his philosophy, and ultimately consider how semiotic concepts can be used to analyze psychosomatic issues.