Meaning

Abstract

For a start on the subject of meaning, it would be difficult to find a more open and frank presentation than that of LEWIS (1946). Therein he follows PEIRCE in holding that “the essentials of the meaning situation are found wherever there is anything which, for some mind, stands as sign of something else . . . The genuine signification of meaning is that in which A means B if A operates as representing or standing for B or as calling B to mind” (ibid., p. 72). For our subsequent discussion, an explication of the notion of meaning will consist of an interpretation of LEWIS’ description. We will only discuss meaning in relation to linguistic or conceptual things (constructs), designated within some language L²⁰.