Approaching a semiotics of exaptation: At the intersection between biological evolution and technological development
Approaching a semiotics of exaptation: At the intersection between biological evolution and technological development
Author(s): Davide WeibleSubject(s): Semiotics / Semiology
Published by: Tartu Ülikooli Kirjastus
Keywords: action; combination; exaptation; function; organs; selection; semiotics; technology; tools
Summary/Abstract: Th is paper recognizes a specifi c correspondence between biological evolution and technological development and on this basis tries to set up a semiotic approach to the evolutionary phenomenon of exaptation. To do this, the existence of a historical-structural and pragmatic analogy between organs and tools is shown, which in turn implies on a communicative ground the dissolution of some of their traditional distinctive att ributes. Finally, a philosophical-analytical approach to natural and cultural functions is applied to defi ne three types of exaptations.
Journal: Σημειωτκή - Sign Systems Studies
- Issue Year: 41/2013
- Issue No: 4
- Page Range: 504-527
- Page Count: 24
- Language: English