MEANING SYSTEM
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 2042 ▶ |
| Object type | Human sciences, Epistemology, ontology or semantics |
The set of values, norms, concepts, rules and models proper to some human group.
F. ROBB states: “In the initial stages of the 'life' or an institution, intensive conversation plays a major role. This defines the kernel of the system of meanings and legitimates in the participants' understanding the taken-for-granted assumptions upon which the meaning system rests” (1993, p.2).
The meaning system stabilizes the organization or institution, because it gives it cohesion, avoids deviant behavior, spares efforts and time, limits the squandering of resources and, generally speaking, regulates the whole activity of the system.
In a much extended and metaphoric sense the genetic code could possibly be considered as the cellular meaning system. It would be very interesting to see if it is elaborated through some kind of cellular “conversation”. And, of course, meaning systems are constructed in each individual brain: could it be through some kind of neural “conversation” about percepts (obtained from conversation with other people about objects and concepts?).