Sign, Signal, and Symbol

Abstract

A sign indicates something else than what it is in itself, and it combines the functions of signifying and of indicating as its most essential characteristics. The function of signifying serves the recognition of a cognition-content other than the sign itself; so for instance does smoke signify the related cognition-content of fire, and a frown signifies anger or perplexity. The function of indicating the cognition-content of what the sign signifies serves the purpose of suggesting a way of behavior related to what the sign signifies. The aspect of signifying is more dominant in signs as the product of a causal relation, whereas the aspect of indicating dominates more in signs as the product of a social contract and in signals, as will be discussed later.