Peirce's Philosophy of Communication: The Rhetorical Underpinnings of the Theory of Signs

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Charles S. Peirce, the founder of pragmatism, was also the architect of a remarkable theory of signs that continues to puzzle and inspire philosophers today. In this important new book, Mats Bergman articulates a bold new approach to Peirce's semeiotic through a reassessment of the role of rhetoric in his work. This systematic approach, which is offered as an alternative to formalistic accounts of Peirce's project, shows how general sign-theoretical conceptions can plausibly be interpreted as abstractions from everyday communicative experiences and practices. Building on this fallible ground of rhetoric-in-use, Bergman explicates Peirce's semeiotic in a way that is conducive to the development of rhetorical inquiry and philosophical criticism. Following this path, the underpinnings of a uniquely Peircean philosophy of communication is unearthed - a pragmatic conception encased in a normative rhetoric, motivated by the continual need to transform and improve our habits of action.

Reviews

Mats Bergman has executed a remarkable feat. He has, at once, offered a lucid exposition of Peirce's theory of signs accessible to those unfamiliar with this theory and a carefully argued, textually substantiated re-interpretation of Peirce's position ... Peirce's Philosophy of Communication makes an extremely important contribution to Peirce no less than communication studies.' - Vincent Colapietro, Liberal Arts Research Professor, Pennsylvania State University, USA
Bergman takes a novel approach to the study of Peirce's semeiotic by modeling it as a theory of communication, rather than as an epistemological or logical theory ... In making his case, Bergman provides a comprehensive and exciting review of the critical controversies in Peirce's semeiotic. This is a book not only for those interested in theories of communication, but also those seeking a solid overview of Peirce's theory of signs.' - James Liszka, Professor of Philosophy, University of Alaska Anchorage, USA

Author Bio

Mats Bergman is a Junior Research Fellow at the Academy of Finland and the Department of Communication, University of Helsinki, Finland.