11

Wolfgang WildgenWolfgang Wildgen

Semiosis based on the principles Semiosis based on the principles „saillance“ and „prégnance“„saillance“ and „prégnance“

18-19-20 luglio 200518-19-20 luglio 2005Semiosi e catastrofi. L’eredità semiotica di René Semiosi e catastrofi. L’eredità semiotica di René

Thom/ Thom/ Semiosis et catastrophes. L’héritage Semiosis et catastrophes. L’héritage sémiotique de René Thom/ Semiosis and sémiotique de René Thom/ Semiosis and

Catastrophes. René Thom's semiotic heritage.Catastrophes. René Thom's semiotic heritage.

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Thom’s itinerary towards Thom’s itinerary towards „semiophysics“„semiophysics“

In the sequel of a letter exchange with the biologist In the sequel of a letter exchange with the biologist Waddington Thom saw language in a quasi continuity Waddington Thom saw language in a quasi continuity with biological development (morphogenesis).with biological development (morphogenesis).

The model proposed by Waddington and elaborated by The model proposed by Waddington and elaborated by Thom was rather global and concerned the major Thom was rather global and concerned the major topological features and the process of differentiation as topological features and the process of differentiation as such (bifurcations, appearance of barriers, separation of such (bifurcations, appearance of barriers, separation of

specific organs and subfunctions, etc.).specific organs and subfunctions, etc.). In this realm, Thom could apply the new results obtained In this realm, Thom could apply the new results obtained

in catastrophe theory based on the classification in catastrophe theory based on the classification theoremtheorem..

33

Controversies

At this point the geometry of the umbilics was not yet At this point the geometry of the umbilics was not yet known in detail and in the second version Thom added known in detail and in the second version Thom added some remarks concerning the umbilics, but he did not some remarks concerning the umbilics, but he did not modify the list of semantic archetypes, although those modify the list of semantic archetypes, although those derived from the umbilics could not be maintained under derived from the umbilics could not be maintained under the new insights. the new insights.

The classification of paths which had been done The classification of paths which had been done intuitively by Thom was also problematic for all intuitively by Thom was also problematic for all catastrophes beyond the cusp .catastrophes beyond the cusp .

Meanwhile, the catastrophe controversy which regarded Meanwhile, the catastrophe controversy which regarded mainly the applications proposed by Christopher mainly the applications proposed by Christopher Zeeman (cf. Sussmann and Zahler, 1978) had Zeeman (cf. Sussmann and Zahler, 1978) had weakened the international interest in applications. weakened the international interest in applications.

44

Thom‘s model of semiosisThom‘s model of semiosis In the same period (after 1978) Thom went one step In the same period (after 1978) Thom went one step

further and tried to specify the forces which govern the further and tried to specify the forces which govern the process of semiosis and not only the topology of its process of semiosis and not only the topology of its outcomes. outcomes.

Thom first tried to link the forces of the morphogenesis of Thom first tried to link the forces of the morphogenesis of meaning to known basic forces like gravitation, radiation meaning to known basic forces like gravitation, radiation (light), etc. These universal fields embed the living (light), etc. These universal fields embed the living beings and govern their environment (ecology). They are beings and govern their environment (ecology). They are naturally the background of all perceptual and motor naturally the background of all perceptual and motor processes.processes.

In perception, light is at the basis of our visual In perception, light is at the basis of our visual perception; gravitation underlies human and animal perception; gravitation underlies human and animal motor-processes and the sensation of pressure and motor-processes and the sensation of pressure and weight; sound waves are registered by the ear and weight; sound waves are registered by the ear and chemical substances evoke reactions of our taste and chemical substances evoke reactions of our taste and smell organ.smell organ.

55

SemiophysicsSemiophysics As the dynamics of such fields (e.g., light) have been the As the dynamics of such fields (e.g., light) have been the

topic of physics since Newton, and wave dynamics were topic of physics since Newton, and wave dynamics were the topic of specific mathematical treatments since the topic of specific mathematical treatments since Maxwell, it was straightforward for Thom to postulate a Maxwell, it was straightforward for Thom to postulate a specific field that is registered and filtered by our sensory specific field that is registered and filtered by our sensory organs. He called it “saillance”, i.e., those effects which organs. He called it “saillance”, i.e., those effects which stand out, may be selected as informative in a stand out, may be selected as informative in a psychophysical field. psychophysical field.

His program was to extract as much systematic content His program was to extract as much systematic content as he could from the analogy between physical fields as he could from the analogy between physical fields and perceptual fields. and perceptual fields.

Insofar as perception is the basic stratum of semiosis, Insofar as perception is the basic stratum of semiosis, any perceptually basis symbolic structure elaborates the any perceptually basis symbolic structure elaborates the psychophysical fields of our sensory systems.psychophysical fields of our sensory systems.

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Remaining gapRemaining gap

Although this strategy: from physics to semiotics Although this strategy: from physics to semiotics allowed for the transfer of many mathematical allowed for the transfer of many mathematical techniques, which had been shown to be techniques, which had been shown to be successful in physics, there remained a large successful in physics, there remained a large gap between psychophysics (the level of gap between psychophysics (the level of perception) and linguistic (or cultural) semiosis. perception) and linguistic (or cultural) semiosis.

The term “prégnance” had to fill this gap and to The term “prégnance” had to fill this gap and to explain the transition between very basic explain the transition between very basic perceptual reactions and language.perceptual reactions and language.

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The concept of “prégnance”The concept of “prégnance”

The basic meaning of the term introduced by Thom The basic meaning of the term introduced by Thom comes from German “Prägnanz”, which has been comes from German “Prägnanz”, which has been internationalized by gestalt-psychology. In German the internationalized by gestalt-psychology. In German the adjective “prägnant” means that something perceived, adjective “prägnant” means that something perceived, enounced, remembered has outstanding properties, enounced, remembered has outstanding properties, which catch attention, makes it relevant, important in a which catch attention, makes it relevant, important in a specific situation; one also associates brevity (laconism) specific situation; one also associates brevity (laconism) and sudden effect as in jokes or aphorisms with it. and sudden effect as in jokes or aphorisms with it.

Other words, that may be associated to this lexical field, Other words, that may be associated to this lexical field, are “prägen”, “Prägung”, i.e., the coining of piece of are “prägen”, “Prägung”, i.e., the coining of piece of money or the imprinting of a sign on an object. money or the imprinting of a sign on an object.

““Prägnanz” has a positive value in gestalt-psychology Prägnanz” has a positive value in gestalt-psychology insofar as the term “gute Gestalt” (optimal form) refers insofar as the term “gute Gestalt” (optimal form) refers also to “Prägnanz”.also to “Prägnanz”.

88

““Prägnanz” has a positive value in gestalt-Prägnanz” has a positive value in gestalt-psychology insofar as the term “gute psychology insofar as the term “gute Gestalt” (optimal form) refers also to Gestalt” (optimal form) refers also to “Prägnanz”. “Prägnanz”.

The term in French “prégnance” (or even The term in French “prégnance” (or even less evident in English “pregnance”) less evident in English “pregnance”) should be understood as a lean-translation should be understood as a lean-translation with the lexical content of German with the lexical content of German “Prägnanz”.“Prägnanz”.

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The scientific use of the concept The scientific use of the concept In Pavlov’s experiments with dogs, they salivate if In Pavlov’s experiments with dogs, they salivate if

presented with meat and “learn” the conditioned reflex of presented with meat and “learn” the conditioned reflex of an associated bell. an associated bell.

Konrad Lorenz observed the process called “Prägnanz” Konrad Lorenz observed the process called “Prägnanz” (imprinting) in birds (ants, geese, etc.). During a short (imprinting) in birds (ants, geese, etc.). During a short period after they left the egg, many birds select rather period after they left the egg, many birds select rather unspecific stimuli in their environment and quickly unspecific stimuli in their environment and quickly elaborate basic concepts like that of a “mother bird”. elaborate basic concepts like that of a “mother bird”.

Jakob von Uexküll. A similar concept of Jakob von Uexküll. A similar concept of “Bedeutungswelt” (meaningful universe) was proposed “Bedeutungswelt” (meaningful universe) was proposed by another biologist, Jakob von Uexküll. For Uexküll by another biologist, Jakob von Uexküll. For Uexküll every animal creates its own “Bedeutungswelt” which every animal creates its own “Bedeutungswelt” which depends first on its windows of perception and then on depends first on its windows of perception and then on its vital need. its vital need.

1010

In the realm of psychology Gibson elaborated In the realm of psychology Gibson elaborated the concepts of “prägnante Gestalt” and the concepts of “prägnante Gestalt” and “Valenz” of his teacher Koffka and coined the “Valenz” of his teacher Koffka and coined the term of term of affordanceaffordance. Any object or process in our . Any object or process in our environment may have affordances; thus a chair environment may have affordances; thus a chair allows for sitting, a bed for sleeping, etc.allows for sitting, a bed for sleeping, etc.

Cassirer generalized the perceptual/motoric Cassirer generalized the perceptual/motoric “Prägnanz” to “symbolische Prägnanz” as “Prägnanz” to “symbolische Prägnanz” as perception is the first level of semiosis (symbol perception is the first level of semiosis (symbol creation) in his system.creation) in his system.

The application of the concept “Prägnanz” The application of the concept “Prägnanz” (imprinting) to language acquisition was (imprinting) to language acquisition was proposed by William Stern, who recognized a proposed by William Stern, who recognized a type of goal-oriented, internally controlled type of goal-oriented, internally controlled process in language acquisition.process in language acquisition.

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Thom adds two new ideas:Thom adds two new ideas:

The salience (“saillance”) effect in perception The salience (“saillance”) effect in perception may be linked via psycho-physical laws to the may be linked via psycho-physical laws to the dynamics of objective fields in physics and dynamics of objective fields in physics and chemistrychemistry . .

The “prégnance” effect applies to the topology of The “prégnance” effect applies to the topology of salient objects and events via a process called salient objects and events via a process called “diffusion de prégnance” (channeling of “diffusion de prégnance” (channeling of “prégnance”). In this channeling the multiple “prégnance”). In this channeling the multiple forms of (perceptual) “saillance” are molded into forms of (perceptual) “saillance” are molded into the instinctive and inborn (poor) forms and the instinctive and inborn (poor) forms and elaborate them to rich and context-dependent elaborate them to rich and context-dependent fields of categorical perception and behavior.fields of categorical perception and behavior.

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Where mathematics come inWhere mathematics come in

It was clear (for Thom) that the psychophysical transition It was clear (for Thom) that the psychophysical transition calls for the application of the laws of physical calls for the application of the laws of physical dynamics: dynamics:

The first line has been further elaborated by the group The first line has been further elaborated by the group of Turvey, Kelso and others and in my own work.of Turvey, Kelso and others and in my own work.

The second line (diffusion of “prégnance”), calls for The second line (diffusion of “prégnance”), calls for something like fluid dynamics and models of growth in something like fluid dynamics and models of growth in space and time. space and time.

One may ask however if the generalization of One may ask however if the generalization of mathematical models from physics to psychology mathematical models from physics to psychology (neuropsychology) and from there for linguistics (neuropsychology) and from there for linguistics (semiotic systems) is philosophically sound. The work (semiotic systems) is philosophically sound. The work of Cassirer (mainly after 1935) may guide this inquiry.of Cassirer (mainly after 1935) may guide this inquiry.

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Mathematics in psychology and Mathematics in psychology and semiotics: Cassirer’s scepsissemiotics: Cassirer’s scepsis

The basic question are:The basic question are: How is the mathematical study of the How is the mathematical study of the

physical world related to the study of the physical world related to the study of the mental and the cultural word? mental and the cultural word?

Is there continuity such that the concepts Is there continuity such that the concepts of mathematics successful in the scientific of mathematics successful in the scientific capture of features in the objective world capture of features in the objective world may be applied (with the same success) to may be applied (with the same success) to the mental and the cultural world? the mental and the cultural world?

1414

AnswersAnswers In mathematical Platonism, the mathematical In mathematical Platonism, the mathematical

model has an existence of its own right and its model has an existence of its own right and its application to physics is just one possible field application to physics is just one possible field among many. among many.

A more synthetic view of mathematics assumes A more synthetic view of mathematics assumes a specific adaptation to major problems of a specific adaptation to major problems of physics and technology in the course of physics and technology in the course of millennia millennia

An even more radical view (Lakoff) may even An even more radical view (Lakoff) may even state that mathematics are a specialized state that mathematics are a specialized deformation of natural (language) reasoning and deformation of natural (language) reasoning and thus are biased for the analysis of language and thus are biased for the analysis of language and culture. culture.

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Cassirer‘s positionCassirer‘s position

Cassirer argued in several articles written towards Cassirer argued in several articles written towards the end of his life, that mathematics (mainly Klein’s the end of his life, that mathematics (mainly Klein’s geometry and topology) describe only a realm of geometry and topology) describe only a realm of possibilities (e.g., possible Euclidean and non-possibilities (e.g., possible Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries) and that an empirical study Euclidean geometries) and that an empirical study of visual perception can at its best select, specify, of visual perception can at its best select, specify, even combine these geometries or their features. even combine these geometries or their features.

The basic selection must be made based on The basic selection must be made based on empirical arguments. The fact that certain empirical arguments. The fact that certain mathematical structures have been invented mathematical structures have been invented historically does not allow any statement about the historically does not allow any statement about the structure of visual perception.structure of visual perception.

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Leyton‘s critique of the Klein Leyton‘s critique of the Klein (Erlangen) Program(Erlangen) Program

Leyton (2001) even argues that the invariant structures Leyton (2001) even argues that the invariant structures arrived at by Felix Klein have eliminated the memory and arrived at by Felix Klein have eliminated the memory and thus the information contained in visual and linguistic thus the information contained in visual and linguistic (symbolic) forms. (symbolic) forms.

Leyton’s criticism affects Thom’s models insofar as Leyton’s criticism affects Thom’s models insofar as elementary catastrophes correspond to the geometrical elementary catastrophes correspond to the geometrical groups of regular polygons, Platonic solids, etc. (cf. groups of regular polygons, Platonic solids, etc. (cf. Slodowy, 1995). Therefore, one may assume that the Slodowy, 1995). Therefore, one may assume that the elementary catastrophes are structures stripped off their elementary catastrophes are structures stripped off their (semantic) information and that via deformation, (semantic) information and that via deformation, breaking of symmetry and combination of the breaking of symmetry and combination of the catastrophe schemata the information may be recovered catastrophe schemata the information may be recovered or reconstructed. or reconstructed.

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A new perspective on Thom‘s A new perspective on Thom‘s proposalsproposals

This puts a new interpretation on Thom’s semiophysics This puts a new interpretation on Thom’s semiophysics but the major concern is now, not how to find (or but the major concern is now, not how to find (or construct) the archetypes, but how to describe the construct) the archetypes, but how to describe the modes of accumulating meaning, starting from these modes of accumulating meaning, starting from these meaningless forms. meaningless forms.

The process of “diffusion de prégnance” is now rather a The process of “diffusion de prégnance” is now rather a process of meaning process of meaning creationcreation than of meaning distribution than of meaning distribution from an original source full of (pregnant with) meaning. from an original source full of (pregnant with) meaning.

This puts Thom’s semiophysics from its head to its feet This puts Thom’s semiophysics from its head to its feet and at the same time it diminishes the role of basic and at the same time it diminishes the role of basic releasers releasers

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The propagation of “prégnance” and the The propagation of “prégnance” and the dynamics of languagedynamics of language

All basic meanings are “theoretical entities”, i.e., they All basic meanings are “theoretical entities”, i.e., they are difficult or impossible to observe, but must be are difficult or impossible to observe, but must be assumed in order to understand the observable effects. assumed in order to understand the observable effects.

We may observe basic behavioral categories in babies, We may observe basic behavioral categories in babies, register the semantic structures in one-word or two-register the semantic structures in one-word or two-word utterances and finally describe the lexicon and word utterances and finally describe the lexicon and syntax of the adult language.syntax of the adult language.

S0

before birth

> S1

new born child, prelinguistic

> S2

linguistic start

>S3

adult competence

The theoretical starting level S0 must evolve regularly given a human genome and normal conditions of maturation (before birth).

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At birth only some auditory capacities already developed At birth only some auditory capacities already developed in the womb exist; the first period of development in the womb exist; the first period of development concerns our other sensory organs and basic motor concerns our other sensory organs and basic motor programs (cf. Piaget’s senso-motor level of cognitive programs (cf. Piaget’s senso-motor level of cognitive development). development).

The genome cannot code for specific sensory forms or The genome cannot code for specific sensory forms or motor-patterns, i.e., it can only fix some gradients that motor-patterns, i.e., it can only fix some gradients that allow the detection of relevant input in order to trigger the allow the detection of relevant input in order to trigger the process of elaboration (intrinsic) and learning (extrinsic). process of elaboration (intrinsic) and learning (extrinsic).

Parallel to these basic gradient-fields the sensory Parallel to these basic gradient-fields the sensory capacities and corresponding categorical and memory capacities and corresponding categorical and memory capacities evolve. For simplicity sake, I assume only capacities evolve. For simplicity sake, I assume only oneone basic (inborn) gradient (a correlate could be found in the basic (inborn) gradient (a correlate could be found in the genetic code) called P (prégnance).genetic code) called P (prégnance).

2020

A first division of P may be due to the multiplicity of Si. If A first division of P may be due to the multiplicity of Si. If the different sense organs evolve in a consecutive order, the different sense organs evolve in a consecutive order, e.g., Se.g., Sau(ditiveau(ditive) ) S Svi(sualvi(sual), the types of P invested by S), the types of P invested by Sauau may may condition the structure of P invested by Scondition the structure of P invested by Svivi. This leads to . This leads to a cascade of Pa cascade of Pkk invested by S invested by Sii::

P invested by Sau PK(Sau)

P invested by Svi PK(Svi)

P PK

(Sau)P PK (Svi)

The same thing may occur with all sensory fields The same thing may occur with all sensory fields (whose number is open, traditionally five, maximally 30). (whose number is open, traditionally five, maximally 30). If the first investments prefigure the later, we obtain a If the first investments prefigure the later, we obtain a more complicated net:more complicated net:

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Evolutionary dynamics of languageEvolutionary dynamics of language

A new level is reached in A new level is reached in alarm callsalarm calls, i.e., , i.e., perception is coupled to a behavior which is able perception is coupled to a behavior which is able to redistribute the perception and triggered to redistribute the perception and triggered action to a community (independent of action to a community (independent of consciousness, free will or intentionality). consciousness, free will or intentionality).

In this case, the category of interpretant begins In this case, the category of interpretant begins to surface in behavior (not yet in to surface in behavior (not yet in consciousness). If the propagation of P is the consciousness). If the propagation of P is the base line which links perception and action, than base line which links perception and action, than the alarm is caused by the stability of the link the alarm is caused by the stability of the link between both which causes thirdness (the between both which causes thirdness (the interpretant).interpretant).

2222

Interpretant Ialarm call

PerceptionR

ActionO

Rule

The alarm-call is perceived and causes action (in adult animals who have learned the rule) and we can proceed further in the hierarchy of semiosis.

R2

Alarm call I1

R1O1

ActionO2

I2

Rule 1

Rule 2

The circular process of semiosis begins.

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Selforganization of complex Selforganization of complex systemssystems

If call-repertoires beyond the number of two, three, four If call-repertoires beyond the number of two, three, four evolve; this may be assumed as soon as bodily group evolve; this may be assumed as soon as bodily group communication (e.g., lousing) is replaced by call patterns communication (e.g., lousing) is replaced by call patterns (cf. the work of Dunbar). (cf. the work of Dunbar).

A new type of phenomenon occurs which may be called A new type of phenomenon occurs which may be called the denotational and connotational fields. The set of the denotational and connotational fields. The set of external and social meanings is now organized by external and social meanings is now organized by criteria of parsimony and distance in a semantic space.criteria of parsimony and distance in a semantic space.

For the denotational space, processes of metonymical For the denotational space, processes of metonymical and metaphorical generalization have been shown to be and metaphorical generalization have been shown to be crucial; cf. Lakoff and Johnson (1980)crucial; cf. Lakoff and Johnson (1980)..

In the case of social meanings Osgood was able to show In the case of social meanings Osgood was able to show that an abstract space E (Evaluation), P (Potency) and A that an abstract space E (Evaluation), P (Potency) and A (Activity) may be assumed. (Activity) may be assumed.

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Propagation of “prégnance” P into more and Propagation of “prégnance” P into more and

more segmented attractor fieldsmore segmented attractor fields

The simple propagation of “prégnance” typically produces a The simple propagation of “prégnance” typically produces a cascade of attractors with diminishing energy,cascade of attractors with diminishing energy,

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Valence patternsValence patterns

In the case of valence we must assume two stages:In the case of valence we must assume two stages: A bifurcation into two categorically opposed fields; e.g., A bifurcation into two categorically opposed fields; e.g.,

subject–predicate (or topic–comment; figure–ground; subject–predicate (or topic–comment; figure–ground; trajectory–landmark).trajectory–landmark).

In the next stage a bifurcation of one nominal role (NP) In the next stage a bifurcation of one nominal role (NP) into two or three (in extreme cases four).into two or three (in extreme cases four).

The valence pattern is described by a conflict of The valence pattern is described by a conflict of “prégnances” in Thom (1978c: 76). If these conflicts are “prégnances” in Thom (1978c: 76). If these conflicts are stripped off their specific intentional and real-life content, stripped off their specific intentional and real-life content, a formal topologico-dynamic pattern is left, which can be a formal topologico-dynamic pattern is left, which can be matched against the hierarchy of elementary matched against the hierarchy of elementary catastrophes in Thom (1972).catastrophes in Thom (1972).

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Is there a „pragmatic“ „prégnance“?Is there a „pragmatic“ „prégnance“?

The fact that full linguistic competence is neither The fact that full linguistic competence is neither achieved under extreme social depravation as in achieved under extreme social depravation as in Kaspar-Hauser cases suggests the necessary Kaspar-Hauser cases suggests the necessary maturation of a specifically human „social maturation of a specifically human „social competence“.competence“.

If autism has genetic sources, there may even If autism has genetic sources, there may even be a genetic basis for this maturation; i.e. genes be a genetic basis for this maturation; i.e. genes and social context must be guaranteed in order and social context must be guaranteed in order to allow for language acquisition.to allow for language acquisition.

2727

This type of „imprinting“ may be specific for This type of „imprinting“ may be specific for humans, although precursors may exist in other humans, although precursors may exist in other social mammals, and more specifically primates social mammals, and more specifically primates (cf. bonobos). It could have evolved out either of (cf. bonobos). It could have evolved out either of more primitive sexual and/or child rearing more primitive sexual and/or child rearing instincts.instincts.

A neural precondition were probably the “mirror A neural precondition were probably the “mirror neurons” which allow for motor imitation and neurons” which allow for motor imitation and sympathy effects with the othersympathy effects with the other

The ethic principle “love your next “ is perhaps The ethic principle “love your next “ is perhaps the best compression of this “prégnance” the best compression of this “prégnance” feature.feature.

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Linguistic/cognitive consequencesLinguistic/cognitive consequences

Multi-agent systems and conflicts/alliances between Multi-agent systems and conflicts/alliances between agents presuppose a social schema which goes beyond agents presuppose a social schema which goes beyond perceptual “saillance” (center/periphery and prototype perceptual “saillance” (center/periphery and prototype effects may generalize based on “saillance”).effects may generalize based on “saillance”).

The agent/patient opposition makes use of the basic The agent/patient opposition makes use of the basic consciousness of self/other.consciousness of self/other.

Causal cognition elaborates the effect Ego has/intends Causal cognition elaborates the effect Ego has/intends to have on others and reinterprets the interaction with to have on others and reinterprets the interaction with objects in this agent/patient light.objects in this agent/patient light.

The instrumental relation is further elaborated in the The instrumental relation is further elaborated in the context of early tool industries or it gives rise to these context of early tool industries or it gives rise to these industries and thus to modern technology and science.industries and thus to modern technology and science.

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Conjecture on the source of Conjecture on the source of valence patternsvalence patterns

The complexity of valence patterns and The complexity of valence patterns and basically already the possibility of basically already the possibility of predication ask for something beyond predication ask for something beyond animal instincts (hunger, thirst, sex) and animal instincts (hunger, thirst, sex) and sensory categorization and make up the sensory categorization and make up the basic basic humanhuman nature of natural languages.nature of natural languages.

The genetic disposition for this faculty is The genetic disposition for this faculty is still open, but a morphosemiosis without still open, but a morphosemiosis without such a factor remains incomplete.such a factor remains incomplete.

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ConclusionsConclusionsIf we remember the skeptical remarks by Cassirer concerning If we remember the skeptical remarks by Cassirer concerning

the psychology of perception, we can say that the the psychology of perception, we can say that the mathematically derived archetypes are only an abstract set mathematically derived archetypes are only an abstract set of possible schemata, which may find applications in rather of possible schemata, which may find applications in rather divergent fields. divergent fields.

The specific choice, elaboration and filling is an empirical task The specific choice, elaboration and filling is an empirical task in semiotics.in semiotics.

The empirical specification may be found at different levels:The empirical specification may be found at different levels: classificatory procedures of descriptive linguistics, which classificatory procedures of descriptive linguistics, which

specify semantic roles and frames (valence patterns),specify semantic roles and frames (valence patterns), experimental psycholinguistics and developmental results experimental psycholinguistics and developmental results

concerning the formation and interpretation of sentences,concerning the formation and interpretation of sentences, neurolinguistics and neurodynamics of sentence production neurolinguistics and neurodynamics of sentence production

and understanding,and understanding, evolutionary anthropology and genetics (which have to evolutionary anthropology and genetics (which have to

include a social factor).include a social factor).