Biosphere as semiosphere: Variations on Lotman Cover Image

Biosphere as semiosphere: Variations on Lotman
Biosphere as semiosphere: Variations on Lotman

Author(s): Anton Markoš
Subject(s): Semiotics / Semiology, Sociobiology
Published by: Tartu Ülikooli Kirjastus
Keywords: biosphere; semiosphere, texts and interpretation; lineages as cultures; ontogenesis

Summary/Abstract: Th e analogy between semiosphere (world of cultures) and biosphere (world of life), coined by J. Lotman, is a courageous attempt to interconnect two seemingly incompatible worlds. In congruence with his view, I would like to convince the reader that the only possible general definition of life is “a system born, endowed with semiosis, with history”. Such a view requires considering biosphere and semiosphere as coextensive, which requires merging the cultural, scientific, historical, and linguistic approaches into a coherent whole.

  • Issue Year: 42/2014
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 487-498
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: English