Systemic Semiotics: A Deductive Study of Communication and Meaning

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Against the background of often esoteric literature in semiotics, this book offers a fresh and rigorous new interpretation of how to approach the study of communication, signs and meaning. Grounded in a deductive theory of interacting systems, Piotr Sadowski's book provides an accessible account of the hierarchy of communication. Divided into two parts, this book argues in the first section that a deductive semiotic theory generates communication situations of increasing complexity, from contiguous communication to indirect, referential forms based on indexical, iconic, and symbolic signs. Within this system, Sadowski explains how key concepts of the semiotic model such as information, parainformation and metainformation can account for degrees of cognitive complexity of communication processes, including the perception and interpretation of signs on literal and figurative levels. After this clear, step-by-step exposition of the theory of interacting systems, Systemic Semiotics then explores various applications of this theory, providing new insights into problems subsumed under communication studies, cultural theory, literary and film studies, and psychology.

Reviews

Systemic Semiotics is grounded in the real world and delightful in its fresh exploration of the universe of communication and meaning. The discussion encompasses everything from rock carvings and body decoration in prehistory to current art, cinema, and language; it is always thoughtful and free from jargon. Sadowski opens the reader's eyes with a rich and provocative understanding of the dynamics of meaning and consciousness. -- Jeffrey L. Kallen, Fellow Emeritus and Visiting Research Fellow, Centre for Language and Communication Studies, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
This fresh and innovative study displays a very confident and provocative reading of systemic semiotics, with insightful analysis of classic films including Blowup and its short story adaptation, together with the magic of The Purple Rose of Cairo that both scholars and students will find very stimulating. -- Pat Brereton, Professor in the School of Communications, Dublin City University, Ireland

Author Bio

Piotr Sadowski is a Lecturer in Communication and Humanities in the Department of Film and Creative Media at Dublin Business School, Ireland.