Philosophy Semiotics Questions
In semiotics, the concept of signifier and signified refers to the relationship between a sign and its meaning. The signifier is the physical form or representation of the sign, such as a word, image, or sound. It is the material aspect that we perceive through our senses. On the other hand, the signified is the mental concept or idea that the signifier represents. It is the meaning or the mental association that we attribute to the signifier. The relationship between the signifier and signified is arbitrary, meaning there is no inherent connection between the two. Instead, it is established through social and cultural conventions. This concept is central to semiotics as it explores how signs function and communicate meaning in various contexts.