Peirce's Symbol, A Sign Based on Object Part 2

In this post, we will discuss a little about Symbol, a sign based on object beside icon and index. In the previous post, it was already posted about icon. Afterwards, in this post, it is about symbol.

It is known that, Symbol is a mode in which the signifier does not resemble the signified but which is fundamentally arbitrary or purely conventional, so that the relationship must be learned: e.g. language in general (plus specific languages, alphabetical letters, punctuation marks, words, phrases and sentences), numbers, Morse code, traffic lights, national flags.

For Peirce, a symbol is 'a sign which refers to the object that it denotes by virtue of a law, usually an association of general ideas, which operates to cause the symbol to be interpreted as referring to that object' (Christomy and Yuwono, 2004).

A symbol is a sign that denotes its object solely by virtue of the fact that it will be interpreted to do so. The symbol is a habit or acquired law. It is a habit of nature or a habit of convention which must be learned. Symbol is also a habit that lacks (or has shed) dependence on the symbolic sign's having a resemblance or real connection to the denoted object. Thus, a symbol denotes by virtue of its interpretant.

The sign-action (semeiosis) is ruled by a habit, a more or less systematic set of associations that ensures its interpretation. The proposition is an example of a symbol which is irrespective of language and of any form of expression and does not prescribe qualities of its replicas.

The word is an example of a symbol which prescribes qualities (especially looks or sound) of its replicas. Not every replica is actual and individual. Two words with the same meaning are symbols which are replicas of that symbol which consists in their shared meaning. A book, a theory, a person, each is a complex symbol.

In conclusion, symbol is a sign in Peirce's theory of Semiotics that based on object. This symbol means an agreement made among society or in a community related to the object agreed. It can be found in the form of word or picture.In the next post, we will discuss the third sign, namely index.

Source:
Christomy, Tommy & Untung Yuwono. 2004. Semiotika Budaya. Depok: Pusat Penelitian Kemasyarakatan dan Budaya. Direktorat Riset dan Pengabdian Masyarakat Universitas Indonesia.

Image source was taken from: designworkplan.com

Posted by miasastra

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