Primitives of Peirce’s concept of consciousness
Donna E. West
Cognitive Semiotics July 14, 2021 DOI: 10.1515/cogsem-2021-2035 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Peirce's mature semiotic is inseparable from questions of consciousness, and assembles his accounts of instinctual consciousness, awareness, and reflective consciousness into a semio-logical model. The contributors propose that these forms of consciousness influence how propositions and assertions are generated, and present Peirce's position that quasi-interpreters must deliberate with themselves about crafting courses of action that serve esthetic ends. |
Abstract
Abstract: This collection of articles by noted Peirce scholars stands at the frontiers of the discipline in expressing a primary issue which runs through Peirce’s semiotic, logic, and metaphysics – how his more mature semiotic is inextricably linked with questions of consciousness. As such, Peirce’s concept of consciousness is augmented in the following ways: intelligent agency, temporal contracts in 4E cognition, the privilege of the non-ego and the role of heterocriticism, and the impingement of consciousness upon Peirce’s notion of self-control. In short, it brings together threads of Peirce’s theory of consciousness into a semio-logical model. The contributions address how Peirce’s system of “instinctual” consciousness, awareness, and more reflective forms of consciousness influence the generation of propositions and assertions. Peirce’s ultimate position is showcased – that to serve esthetic ends, quasi-interpreters must argue with/between themselves how to craft courses of action to serve esthetic ends.