#peirce — Public Fediverse posts

Semiotics - why an LLM doesn't

Saussure, Peirce and Derrida as the key to understanding LLMs. Why a model is not a mind, but a mach...

https://gruszka.dev/en/semiotics-and-llm.html
#llm #ai #semiotics #signs #linguistics #languagemodels #saussure #peirce #derrida

Semiotics - why an LLM doesn't

Saussure, Peirce and Derrida as the key to understanding LLMs. Why a model is not a mind, but a mach...

https://gruszka.dev/en/semiotics-and-llm.html
#llm #ai #semiotics #signs #linguistics #languagemodels #saussure #peirce #derrida

Semiotics - why an LLM doesn't

Saussure, Peirce and Derrida as the key to understanding LLMs. Why a model is not a mind, but a mach...

https://gruszka.dev/en/semiotics-and-llm.html
#llm #ai #semiotics #signs #linguistics #languagemodels #saussure #peirce #derrida

Semiotics - why an LLM doesn't

Saussure, Peirce and Derrida as the key to understanding LLMs. Why a model is not a mind, but a mach...

https://gruszka.dev/en/semiotics-and-llm.html
#llm #ai #semiotics #signs #linguistics #languagemodels #saussure #peirce #derrida

Semiotics - why an LLM doesn't

Saussure, Peirce and Derrida as the key to understanding LLMs. Why a model is not a mind, but a mach...

https://gruszka.dev/en/semiotics-and-llm.html
#llm #ai #semiotics #signs #linguistics #languagemodels #saussure #peirce #derrida

Development Blog - Three Ways of Knowing
Building a Murder Mystery Game on Peircean Semiotics

#Peirce
#Game
#Design
#Semiotics
https://ko-fi.com/post/Development-Blog--Three-Ways-of-Knowing-U5O022HSIQ

Development Blog - Three Ways of Knowing
Building a Murder Mystery Game on Peircean Semiotics

#Peirce
#Game
#Design
#Semiotics
https://ko-fi.com/post/Development-Blog--Three-Ways-of-Knowing-U5O022HSIQ

Development Blog - Three Ways of Knowing
Building a Murder Mystery Game on Peircean Semiotics

#Peirce
#Game
#Design
#Semiotics

ko-fi.com/post/Develop...

This article is less about what philosophy is about and more about why we can't particularly know some things, and why not.

👉 https://open.substack.com/pub/brywillis634737/p/what-is-philosophy?r=pvxh5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=masto&showWelcomeOnShare=true

#blog #substack #philosophy #language #ontology #semantics #semiotics #epistemology #etymology #communication #Heidegger #Derrida #Foucault #Wittgenstein #Nietzsche #Gadamer #Peirce #Gallie #McGilchrist #languageinsufficiency

This article is less about what philosophy is about and more about why we can't particularly know some things, and why not.

👉 https://open.substack.com/pub/brywillis634737/p/what-is-philosophy?r=pvxh5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=masto&showWelcomeOnShare=true

#blog #substack #philosophy #language #ontology #semantics #semiotics #epistemology #etymology #communication #Heidegger #Derrida #Foucault #Wittgenstein #Nietzsche #Gadamer #Peirce #Gallie #McGilchrist #languageinsufficiency

This article is less about what philosophy is about and more about why we can't particularly know some things, and why not.

👉 https://open.substack.com/pub/brywillis634737/p/what-is-philosophy?r=pvxh5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=masto&showWelcomeOnShare=true

#blog #substack #philosophy #language #ontology #semantics #semiotics #epistemology #etymology #communication #Heidegger #Derrida #Foucault #Wittgenstein #Nietzsche #Gadamer #Peirce #Gallie #McGilchrist #languageinsufficiency

This article is less about what philosophy is about and more about why we can't particularly know some things, and why not.

👉 https://open.substack.com/pub/brywillis634737/p/what-is-philosophy?r=pvxh5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=masto&showWelcomeOnShare=true

#blog #substack #philosophy #language #ontology #semantics #semiotics #epistemology #etymology #communication #Heidegger #Derrida #Foucault #Wittgenstein #Nietzsche #Gadamer #Peirce #Gallie #McGilchrist #languageinsufficiency

This article is less about what philosophy is about and more about why we can't particularly know some things, and why not.

👉 https://open.substack.com/pub/brywillis634737/p/what-is-philosophy?r=pvxh5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=masto&showWelcomeOnShare=true

#blog #substack #philosophy #language #ontology #semantics #semiotics #epistemology #etymology #communication #Heidegger #Derrida #Foucault #Wittgenstein #Nietzsche #Gadamer #Peirce #Gallie #McGilchrist #languageinsufficiency

Semiotyka - dlaczego LLM nie

Saussure, Peirce i Derrida jako klucz do zrozumienia LLM. Dlaczego model to nie umysł, ale maszyna z...

https://gruszka.dev/semiotyka-a-llm.html
#llm #ai #semiotyka #znaki #linguistics #languagemodels #saussure #peirce #derrida

Semiotyka - dlaczego LLM nie

Saussure, Peirce i Derrida jako klucz do zrozumienia LLM. Dlaczego model to nie umysł, ale maszyna z...

https://gruszka.dev/semiotyka-a-llm.html
#llm #ai #semiotyka #znaki #linguistics #languagemodels #saussure #peirce #derrida

Semiotyka - dlaczego LLM nie

Saussure, Peirce i Derrida jako klucz do zrozumienia LLM. Dlaczego model to nie umysł, ale maszyna z...

https://gruszka.dev/semiotyka-a-llm.html
#llm #ai #semiotyka #znaki #linguistics #languagemodels #saussure #peirce #derrida

Semiotyka - dlaczego LLM nie

Saussure, Peirce i Derrida jako klucz do zrozumienia LLM. Dlaczego model to nie umysł, ale maszyna z...

https://gruszka.dev/semiotyka-a-llm.html
#llm #ai #semiotyka #znaki #linguistics #languagemodels #saussure #peirce #derrida

Semiotyka - dlaczego LLM nie

Saussure, Peirce i Derrida jako klucz do zrozumienia LLM. Dlaczego model to nie umysł, ale maszyna z...

https://gruszka.dev/semiotyka-a-llm.html
#llm #ai #semiotyka #znaki #linguistics #languagemodels #saussure #peirce #derrida

Icon, Likeness, Likely Story, Likelihood, Probability • 2
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/05/19/icon-likeness-likely-story-likelihood-probability-2-a/

Re: Peirce List • Phyllis Chiasson
• https://web.archive.org/web/20131211153209/http://comments.gmane.org/gmane.science.philosophy.peirce/11234
• https://web.archive.org/web/20131211034001/http://permalink.gmane.org/gmane.science.philosophy.peirce/11235

I'm still a bit fuzzy on how Aristotle's account relates to Peirce's usage, though I'm pretty sure Peirce must have taken Aristotle's usage into account, but it does seem that Aristotle drew some sort of distinction here, using a term “tekmerion” which gets translated as “index” to make the following remark later on in that chapter.

❝We must either classify signs in this way, and regard their middle term as an index [τεκµηριον] (for the name ‘index’ is given to that which causes us to know, and the middle term is especially of this nature), or describe the arguments drawn from the extremes as ‘signs’, and that which is drawn from the middle as an ‘index’. For the conclusion which is reached through the first figure is most generally accepted and most true.❞ (Aristotle, Prior Analytics, 2.27.70b1–6).

Reference —

Aristotle, “Prior Analytics”, Hugh Tredennick (trans.), pp. 181–531 in Aristotle, Volume 1, Loeb Classical Library, William Heinemann, London, UK, 1938.

Resource —

Theme One Program • User Guide • Appendix A
• https://www.academia.edu/5211369/Theme_One_Program_User_Guide

#Aristotle #Peirce #IconIndexSymbol #Semiotics #SignRelations
#Logic #Mathematics #Probability #ProbableReasoning #Induction
#Inquiry #Analogy #Likelihood #LikelyStory #Likeness #Morphism

Icon, Likeness, Likely Story, Likelihood, Probability • 2
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/05/19/icon-likeness-likely-story-likelihood-probability-2-a/

Re: Peirce List • Phyllis Chiasson
• https://web.archive.org/web/20131211153209/http://comments.gmane.org/gmane.science.philosophy.peirce/11234
• https://web.archive.org/web/20131211034001/http://permalink.gmane.org/gmane.science.philosophy.peirce/11235

I'm still a bit fuzzy on how Aristotle's account relates to Peirce's usage, though I'm pretty sure Peirce must have taken Aristotle's usage into account, but it does seem that Aristotle drew some sort of distinction here, using a term “tekmerion” which gets translated as “index” to make the following remark later on in that chapter.

❝We must either classify signs in this way, and regard their middle term as an index [τεκµηριον] (for the name ‘index’ is given to that which causes us to know, and the middle term is especially of this nature), or describe the arguments drawn from the extremes as ‘signs’, and that which is drawn from the middle as an ‘index’. For the conclusion which is reached through the first figure is most generally accepted and most true.❞ (Aristotle, Prior Analytics, 2.27.70b1–6).

Reference —

Aristotle, “Prior Analytics”, Hugh Tredennick (trans.), pp. 181–531 in Aristotle, Volume 1, Loeb Classical Library, William Heinemann, London, UK, 1938.

Resource —

Theme One Program • User Guide • Appendix A
• https://www.academia.edu/5211369/Theme_One_Program_User_Guide

#Aristotle #Peirce #IconIndexSymbol #Semiotics #SignRelations
#Logic #Mathematics #Probability #ProbableReasoning #Induction
#Inquiry #Analogy #Likelihood #LikelyStory #Likeness #Morphism

Icon, Likeness, Likely Story, Likelihood, Probability • 2
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/05/19/icon-likeness-likely-story-likelihood-probability-2-a/

Re: Peirce List • Phyllis Chiasson
• https://web.archive.org/web/20131211153209/http://comments.gmane.org/gmane.science.philosophy.peirce/11234
• https://web.archive.org/web/20131211034001/http://permalink.gmane.org/gmane.science.philosophy.peirce/11235

I'm still a bit fuzzy on how Aristotle's account relates to Peirce's usage, though I'm pretty sure Peirce must have taken Aristotle's usage into account, but it does seem that Aristotle drew some sort of distinction here, using a term “tekmerion” which gets translated as “index” to make the following remark later on in that chapter.

❝We must either classify signs in this way, and regard their middle term as an index [τεκµηριον] (for the name ‘index’ is given to that which causes us to know, and the middle term is especially of this nature), or describe the arguments drawn from the extremes as ‘signs’, and that which is drawn from the middle as an ‘index’. For the conclusion which is reached through the first figure is most generally accepted and most true.❞ (Aristotle, Prior Analytics, 2.27.70b1–6).

Reference —

Aristotle, “Prior Analytics”, Hugh Tredennick (trans.), pp. 181–531 in Aristotle, Volume 1, Loeb Classical Library, William Heinemann, London, UK, 1938.

Resource —

Theme One Program • User Guide • Appendix A
• https://www.academia.edu/5211369/Theme_One_Program_User_Guide

#Aristotle #Peirce #IconIndexSymbol #Semiotics #SignRelations
#Logic #Mathematics #Probability #ProbableReasoning #Induction
#Inquiry #Analogy #Likelihood #LikelyStory #Likeness #Morphism

Icon, Likeness, Likely Story, Likelihood, Probability • 2
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/05/19/icon-likeness-likely-story-likelihood-probability-2-a/

Re: Peirce List • Phyllis Chiasson
• https://web.archive.org/web/20131211153209/http://comments.gmane.org/gmane.science.philosophy.peirce/11234
• https://web.archive.org/web/20131211034001/http://permalink.gmane.org/gmane.science.philosophy.peirce/11235

I'm still a bit fuzzy on how Aristotle's account relates to Peirce's usage, though I'm pretty sure Peirce must have taken Aristotle's usage into account, but it does seem that Aristotle drew some sort of distinction here, using a term “tekmerion” which gets translated as “index” to make the following remark later on in that chapter.

❝We must either classify signs in this way, and regard their middle term as an index [τεκµηριον] (for the name ‘index’ is given to that which causes us to know, and the middle term is especially of this nature), or describe the arguments drawn from the extremes as ‘signs’, and that which is drawn from the middle as an ‘index’. For the conclusion which is reached through the first figure is most generally accepted and most true.❞ (Aristotle, Prior Analytics, 2.27.70b1–6).

Reference —

Aristotle, “Prior Analytics”, Hugh Tredennick (trans.), pp. 181–531 in Aristotle, Volume 1, Loeb Classical Library, William Heinemann, London, UK, 1938.

Resource —

Theme One Program • User Guide • Appendix A
• https://www.academia.edu/5211369/Theme_One_Program_User_Guide

#Aristotle #Peirce #IconIndexSymbol #Semiotics #SignRelations
#Logic #Mathematics #Probability #ProbableReasoning #Induction
#Inquiry #Analogy #Likelihood #LikelyStory #Likeness #Morphism

Icon, Likeness, Likely Story, Likelihood, Probability • 2
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/05/19/icon-likeness-likely-story-likelihood-probability-2-a/

Re: Peirce List • Phyllis Chiasson
• https://web.archive.org/web/20131211153209/http://comments.gmane.org/gmane.science.philosophy.peirce/11234
• https://web.archive.org/web/20131211034001/http://permalink.gmane.org/gmane.science.philosophy.peirce/11235

I'm still a bit fuzzy on how Aristotle's account relates to Peirce's usage, though I'm pretty sure Peirce must have taken Aristotle's usage into account, but it does seem that Aristotle drew some sort of distinction here, using a term “tekmerion” which gets translated as “index” to make the following remark later on in that chapter.

❝We must either classify signs in this way, and regard their middle term as an index [τεκµηριον] (for the name ‘index’ is given to that which causes us to know, and the middle term is especially of this nature), or describe the arguments drawn from the extremes as ‘signs’, and that which is drawn from the middle as an ‘index’. For the conclusion which is reached through the first figure is most generally accepted and most true.❞ (Aristotle, Prior Analytics, 2.27.70b1–6).

Reference —

Aristotle, “Prior Analytics”, Hugh Tredennick (trans.), pp. 181–531 in Aristotle, Volume 1, Loeb Classical Library, William Heinemann, London, UK, 1938.

Resource —

Theme One Program • User Guide • Appendix A
• https://www.academia.edu/5211369/Theme_One_Program_User_Guide

#Aristotle #Peirce #IconIndexSymbol #Semiotics #SignRelations
#Logic #Mathematics #Probability #ProbableReasoning #Induction
#Inquiry #Analogy #Likelihood #LikelyStory #Likeness #Morphism

Icon, Likeness, Likely Story, Likelihood, Probability • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/05/17/icon-likeness-likely-story-likelihood-probability-1-a/

Here's a likely locus classicus for “icon” in its logical sense —

❝A probability (εικος) is not the same as a sign (σηµειον). The former is a generally accepted premiss; for that which people know to happen or not to happen, or to be or not to be, usually in a particular way, is a probability:

❝For example, that the envious are malevolent or that those who are loved are affectionate.

❝A sign, however, means a demonstrative premiss which is necessary or generally accepted. That which coexists with something else, or before or after whose happening something else has happened, is a sign of that something’s having happened or being.❞ (Aristotle, Prior Analytics, 2.27.70a3–10).

Reference —

Aristotle, “Prior Analytics”, Hugh Tredennick (trans.), pp. 181–531 in Aristotle, Volume 1, Loeb Classical Library, William Heinemann, London, UK, 1938.

Resource —

Theme One Program • User Guide • Appendix A
• https://www.academia.edu/5211369/Theme_One_Program_User_Guide

#Aristotle #Peirce #IconIndexSymbol #Semiotics #SignRelations
#Logic #Mathematics #Probability #ProbableReasoning #Induction
#Inquiry #Analogy #Likelihood #LikelyStory #Likeness #Morphism

Icon, Likeness, Likely Story, Likelihood, Probability • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/05/17/icon-likeness-likely-story-likelihood-probability-1-a/

Here's a likely locus classicus for “icon” in its logical sense —

❝A probability (εικος) is not the same as a sign (σηµειον). The former is a generally accepted premiss; for that which people know to happen or not to happen, or to be or not to be, usually in a particular way, is a probability:

❝For example, that the envious are malevolent or that those who are loved are affectionate.

❝A sign, however, means a demonstrative premiss which is necessary or generally accepted. That which coexists with something else, or before or after whose happening something else has happened, is a sign of that something’s having happened or being.❞ (Aristotle, Prior Analytics, 2.27.70a3–10).

Reference —

Aristotle, “Prior Analytics”, Hugh Tredennick (trans.), pp. 181–531 in Aristotle, Volume 1, Loeb Classical Library, William Heinemann, London, UK, 1938.

Resource —

Theme One Program • User Guide • Appendix A
• https://www.academia.edu/5211369/Theme_One_Program_User_Guide

#Aristotle #Peirce #IconIndexSymbol #Semiotics #SignRelations
#Logic #Mathematics #Probability #ProbableReasoning #Induction
#Inquiry #Analogy #Likelihood #LikelyStory #Likeness #Morphism

Icon, Likeness, Likely Story, Likelihood, Probability • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/05/17/icon-likeness-likely-story-likelihood-probability-1-a/

Here's a likely locus classicus for “icon” in its logical sense —

❝A probability (εικος) is not the same as a sign (σηµειον). The former is a generally accepted premiss; for that which people know to happen or not to happen, or to be or not to be, usually in a particular way, is a probability:

❝For example, that the envious are malevolent or that those who are loved are affectionate.

❝A sign, however, means a demonstrative premiss which is necessary or generally accepted. That which coexists with something else, or before or after whose happening something else has happened, is a sign of that something’s having happened or being.❞ (Aristotle, Prior Analytics, 2.27.70a3–10).

Reference —

Aristotle, “Prior Analytics”, Hugh Tredennick (trans.), pp. 181–531 in Aristotle, Volume 1, Loeb Classical Library, William Heinemann, London, UK, 1938.

Resource —

Theme One Program • User Guide • Appendix A
• https://www.academia.edu/5211369/Theme_One_Program_User_Guide

#Aristotle #Peirce #IconIndexSymbol #Semiotics #SignRelations
#Logic #Mathematics #Probability #ProbableReasoning #Induction
#Inquiry #Analogy #Likelihood #LikelyStory #Likeness #Morphism

Icon, Likeness, Likely Story, Likelihood, Probability • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/05/17/icon-likeness-likely-story-likelihood-probability-1-a/

Here's a likely locus classicus for “icon” in its logical sense —

❝A probability (εικος) is not the same as a sign (σηµειον). The former is a generally accepted premiss; for that which people know to happen or not to happen, or to be or not to be, usually in a particular way, is a probability:

❝For example, that the envious are malevolent or that those who are loved are affectionate.

❝A sign, however, means a demonstrative premiss which is necessary or generally accepted. That which coexists with something else, or before or after whose happening something else has happened, is a sign of that something’s having happened or being.❞ (Aristotle, Prior Analytics, 2.27.70a3–10).

Reference —

Aristotle, “Prior Analytics”, Hugh Tredennick (trans.), pp. 181–531 in Aristotle, Volume 1, Loeb Classical Library, William Heinemann, London, UK, 1938.

Resource —

Theme One Program • User Guide • Appendix A
• https://www.academia.edu/5211369/Theme_One_Program_User_Guide

#Aristotle #Peirce #IconIndexSymbol #Semiotics #SignRelations
#Logic #Mathematics #Probability #ProbableReasoning #Induction
#Inquiry #Analogy #Likelihood #LikelyStory #Likeness #Morphism

Icon, Likeness, Likely Story, Likelihood, Probability • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/05/17/icon-likeness-likely-story-likelihood-probability-1-a/

Here's a likely locus classicus for “icon” in its logical sense —

❝A probability (εικος) is not the same as a sign (σηµειον). The former is a generally accepted premiss; for that which people know to happen or not to happen, or to be or not to be, usually in a particular way, is a probability:

❝For example, that the envious are malevolent or that those who are loved are affectionate.

❝A sign, however, means a demonstrative premiss which is necessary or generally accepted. That which coexists with something else, or before or after whose happening something else has happened, is a sign of that something’s having happened or being.❞ (Aristotle, Prior Analytics, 2.27.70a3–10).

Reference —

Aristotle, “Prior Analytics”, Hugh Tredennick (trans.), pp. 181–531 in Aristotle, Volume 1, Loeb Classical Library, William Heinemann, London, UK, 1938.

Resource —

Theme One Program • User Guide • Appendix A
• https://www.academia.edu/5211369/Theme_One_Program_User_Guide

#Aristotle #Peirce #IconIndexSymbol #Semiotics #SignRelations
#Logic #Mathematics #Probability #ProbableReasoning #Induction
#Inquiry #Analogy #Likelihood #LikelyStory #Likeness #Morphism

Language Learning And Logical Modeling —

Wrote my first “Language Learning Module”, strictly speaking, a two‑level formal language learner, back in the 80s and it pretty much told me what every conceivable upscale of that ilk would be like. But it did not cross the threshold of logical reasoning, so I used Peirce's logical graphs for that. Et sic deinceps …

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs
#LanguageLearningAlgorithm #LogicalModelingAlgorithm

Language Learning And Logical Modeling —

Wrote my first “Language Learning Module”, strictly speaking, a two‑level formal language learner, back in the 80s and it pretty much told me what every conceivable upscale of that ilk would be like. But it did not cross the threshold of logical reasoning, so I used Peirce's logical graphs for that. Et sic deinceps …

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs
#LanguageLearningAlgorithm #LogicalModelingAlgorithm

Animated Logical Graphs • 2
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/14/animated-logical-graphs-2/

It's almost 50 years now since I first encountered the volumes of Peirce's “Collected Papers” in the math library at Michigan State, and shortly afterwards a friend called my attention to the entry for Spencer Brown's “Laws of Form” in the Whole Earth Catalog and I sent off for it right away. I would spend the next decade just beginning to figure out what either one of them was talking about in the matter of logical graphs and I would spend another decade after that developing a program, first in Lisp and then in Pascal, that turned graph‑theoretic data structures formed on their ideas to good purpose as the basis of its reasoning engine.

I thought it might contribute to a number of long‑running and ongoing discussions if I could articulate what I think I learned from that experience.

So I'll try to keep focused on that.

Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

Survey of Animated Logical Graphs
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2025/05/02/survey-of-animated-logical-graphs-8/

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 2
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/14/animated-logical-graphs-2/

It's almost 50 years now since I first encountered the volumes of Peirce's “Collected Papers” in the math library at Michigan State, and shortly afterwards a friend called my attention to the entry for Spencer Brown's “Laws of Form” in the Whole Earth Catalog and I sent off for it right away. I would spend the next decade just beginning to figure out what either one of them was talking about in the matter of logical graphs and I would spend another decade after that developing a program, first in Lisp and then in Pascal, that turned graph‑theoretic data structures formed on their ideas to good purpose as the basis of its reasoning engine.

I thought it might contribute to a number of long‑running and ongoing discussions if I could articulate what I think I learned from that experience.

So I'll try to keep focused on that.

Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

Survey of Animated Logical Graphs
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2025/05/02/survey-of-animated-logical-graphs-8/

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 2
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/14/animated-logical-graphs-2/

It's almost 50 years now since I first encountered the volumes of Peirce's “Collected Papers” in the math library at Michigan State, and shortly afterwards a friend called my attention to the entry for Spencer Brown's “Laws of Form” in the Whole Earth Catalog and I sent off for it right away. I would spend the next decade just beginning to figure out what either one of them was talking about in the matter of logical graphs and I would spend another decade after that developing a program, first in Lisp and then in Pascal, that turned graph‑theoretic data structures formed on their ideas to good purpose as the basis of its reasoning engine.

I thought it might contribute to a number of long‑running and ongoing discussions if I could articulate what I think I learned from that experience.

So I'll try to keep focused on that.

Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

Survey of Animated Logical Graphs
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2025/05/02/survey-of-animated-logical-graphs-8/

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 2
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/14/animated-logical-graphs-2/

It's almost 50 years now since I first encountered the volumes of Peirce's “Collected Papers” in the math library at Michigan State, and shortly afterwards a friend called my attention to the entry for Spencer Brown's “Laws of Form” in the Whole Earth Catalog and I sent off for it right away. I would spend the next decade just beginning to figure out what either one of them was talking about in the matter of logical graphs and I would spend another decade after that developing a program, first in Lisp and then in Pascal, that turned graph‑theoretic data structures formed on their ideas to good purpose as the basis of its reasoning engine.

I thought it might contribute to a number of long‑running and ongoing discussions if I could articulate what I think I learned from that experience.

So I'll try to keep focused on that.

Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

Survey of Animated Logical Graphs
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2025/05/02/survey-of-animated-logical-graphs-8/

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 2
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/14/animated-logical-graphs-2/

It's almost 50 years now since I first encountered the volumes of Peirce's “Collected Papers” in the math library at Michigan State, and shortly afterwards a friend called my attention to the entry for Spencer Brown's “Laws of Form” in the Whole Earth Catalog and I sent off for it right away. I would spend the next decade just beginning to figure out what either one of them was talking about in the matter of logical graphs and I would spend another decade after that developing a program, first in Lisp and then in Pascal, that turned graph‑theoretic data structures formed on their ideas to good purpose as the basis of its reasoning engine.

I thought it might contribute to a number of long‑running and ongoing discussions if I could articulate what I think I learned from that experience.

So I'll try to keep focused on that.

Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

Survey of Animated Logical Graphs
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2025/05/02/survey-of-animated-logical-graphs-8/

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/08/animated-logical-graphs-1/

For Your Musement …

Here are some animations I made up to illustrate several different styles of proof in an extended topological variant of Peirce's Alpha Graphs for propositional logic.

Proof Animations
• https://oeis.org/wiki/User:Jon_Awbrey/ANIMATION#Proof_Animations

Double Negation
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-double-negation-2.0.gif

Peirce's Law
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-peirces-law-2.0.gif

Praeclarum Theorema
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-praeclarum-theorema-2.0.gif

Two‑Thirds Majority Function
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-two-thirds-majority-function-2.0.gif

A full discussion of logical graphs can be found in the following article.

Logical Graphs
• https://oeis.org/wiki/Logical_Graphs

Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

Survey of Animated Logical Graphs
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2025/05/02/survey-of-animated-logical-graphs-8/

cc: https://www.academia.edu/community/ldzadj
cc: https://mathstodon.xyz/@Inquiry/116494097283214718
cc: https://www.researchgate.net/post/Animated_Logical_Graphs
cc: https://stream.syscoi.com/2026/04/30/animated-logical-graphs-1/
cc: https://groups.io/g/lawsofform/topic/animated_logical_graphs/119049814

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/08/animated-logical-graphs-1/

For Your Musement …

Here are some animations I made up to illustrate several different styles of proof in an extended topological variant of Peirce's Alpha Graphs for propositional logic.

Proof Animations
• https://oeis.org/wiki/User:Jon_Awbrey/ANIMATION#Proof_Animations

Double Negation
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-double-negation-2.0.gif

Peirce's Law
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-peirces-law-2.0.gif

Praeclarum Theorema
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-praeclarum-theorema-2.0.gif

Two‑Thirds Majority Function
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-two-thirds-majority-function-2.0.gif

A full discussion of logical graphs can be found in the following article.

Logical Graphs
• https://oeis.org/wiki/Logical_Graphs

Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

Survey of Animated Logical Graphs
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2025/05/02/survey-of-animated-logical-graphs-8/

cc: https://www.academia.edu/community/ldzadj
cc: https://mathstodon.xyz/@Inquiry/116494097283214718
cc: https://www.researchgate.net/post/Animated_Logical_Graphs
cc: https://stream.syscoi.com/2026/04/30/animated-logical-graphs-1/
cc: https://groups.io/g/lawsofform/topic/animated_logical_graphs/119049814

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/08/animated-logical-graphs-1/

For Your Musement …

Here are some animations I made up to illustrate several different styles of proof in an extended topological variant of Peirce's Alpha Graphs for propositional logic.

Proof Animations
• https://oeis.org/wiki/User:Jon_Awbrey/ANIMATION#Proof_Animations

Double Negation
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-double-negation-2.0.gif

Peirce's Law
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-peirces-law-2.0.gif

Praeclarum Theorema
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-praeclarum-theorema-2.0.gif

Two‑Thirds Majority Function
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-two-thirds-majority-function-2.0.gif

A full discussion of logical graphs can be found in the following article.

Logical Graphs
• https://oeis.org/wiki/Logical_Graphs

Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

Survey of Animated Logical Graphs
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2025/05/02/survey-of-animated-logical-graphs-8/

cc: https://www.academia.edu/community/ldzadj
cc: https://mathstodon.xyz/@Inquiry/116494097283214718
cc: https://www.researchgate.net/post/Animated_Logical_Graphs
cc: https://stream.syscoi.com/2026/04/30/animated-logical-graphs-1/
cc: https://groups.io/g/lawsofform/topic/animated_logical_graphs/119049814

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/08/animated-logical-graphs-1/

For Your Musement …

Here are some animations I made up to illustrate several different styles of proof in an extended topological variant of Peirce's Alpha Graphs for propositional logic.

Proof Animations
• https://oeis.org/wiki/User:Jon_Awbrey/ANIMATION#Proof_Animations

Double Negation
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-double-negation-2.0.gif

Peirce's Law
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-peirces-law-2.0.gif

Praeclarum Theorema
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-praeclarum-theorema-2.0.gif

Two‑Thirds Majority Function
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-two-thirds-majority-function-2.0.gif

A full discussion of logical graphs can be found in the following article.

Logical Graphs
• https://oeis.org/wiki/Logical_Graphs

Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

Survey of Animated Logical Graphs
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2025/05/02/survey-of-animated-logical-graphs-8/

cc: https://www.academia.edu/community/ldzadj
cc: https://mathstodon.xyz/@Inquiry/116494097283214718
cc: https://www.researchgate.net/post/Animated_Logical_Graphs
cc: https://stream.syscoi.com/2026/04/30/animated-logical-graphs-1/
cc: https://groups.io/g/lawsofform/topic/animated_logical_graphs/119049814

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/08/animated-logical-graphs-1/

For Your Musement …

Here are some animations I made up to illustrate several different styles of proof in an extended topological variant of Peirce's Alpha Graphs for propositional logic.

Proof Animations
• https://oeis.org/wiki/User:Jon_Awbrey/ANIMATION#Proof_Animations

Double Negation
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-double-negation-2.0.gif

Peirce's Law
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-peirces-law-2.0.gif

Praeclarum Theorema
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-praeclarum-theorema-2.0.gif

Two‑Thirds Majority Function
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/proof-animation-e280a2-two-thirds-majority-function-2.0.gif

A full discussion of logical graphs can be found in the following article.

Logical Graphs
• https://oeis.org/wiki/Logical_Graphs

Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

Survey of Animated Logical Graphs
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2025/05/02/survey-of-animated-logical-graphs-8/

cc: https://www.academia.edu/community/ldzadj
cc: https://mathstodon.xyz/@Inquiry/116494097283214718
cc: https://www.researchgate.net/post/Animated_Logical_Graphs
cc: https://stream.syscoi.com/2026/04/30/animated-logical-graphs-1/
cc: https://groups.io/g/lawsofform/topic/animated_logical_graphs/119049814

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/08/animated-logical-graphs-1/

For Your Musement …

Here are some animations I made up to illustrate several different styles of proof in an extended topological variant of Peirce’s Alpha Graphs for propositional logic.

Proof Animations
• https://oeis.org/wiki/User:Jon_Awbrey/ANIMATION#Proof_Animations

See the following article for a full discussion of this type of logical graph.

Logical Graphs
• https://oeis.org/wiki/Logical_Graphs

Additional Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/08/animated-logical-graphs-1/

For Your Musement …

Here are some animations I made up to illustrate several different styles of proof in an extended topological variant of Peirce’s Alpha Graphs for propositional logic.

Proof Animations
• https://oeis.org/wiki/User:Jon_Awbrey/ANIMATION#Proof_Animations

See the following article for a full discussion of this type of logical graph.

Logical Graphs
• https://oeis.org/wiki/Logical_Graphs

Additional Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/08/animated-logical-graphs-1/

For Your Musement …

Here are some animations I made up to illustrate several different styles of proof in an extended topological variant of Peirce’s Alpha Graphs for propositional logic.

Proof Animations
• https://oeis.org/wiki/User:Jon_Awbrey/ANIMATION#Proof_Animations

See the following article for a full discussion of this type of logical graph.

Logical Graphs
• https://oeis.org/wiki/Logical_Graphs

Additional Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/08/animated-logical-graphs-1/

For Your Musement …

Here are some animations I made up to illustrate several different styles of proof in an extended topological variant of Peirce’s Alpha Graphs for propositional logic.

Proof Animations
• https://oeis.org/wiki/User:Jon_Awbrey/ANIMATION#Proof_Animations

See the following article for a full discussion of this type of logical graph.

Logical Graphs
• https://oeis.org/wiki/Logical_Graphs

Additional Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Animated Logical Graphs • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2015/01/08/animated-logical-graphs-1/

For Your Musement …

Here are some animations I made up to illustrate several different styles of proof in an extended topological variant of Peirce’s Alpha Graphs for propositional logic.

Proof Animations
• https://oeis.org/wiki/User:Jon_Awbrey/ANIMATION#Proof_Animations

See the following article for a full discussion of this type of logical graph.

Logical Graphs
• https://oeis.org/wiki/Logical_Graphs

Additional Resources —

Logical Graphs • First Impressions
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/08/26/logical-graphs-first-impressions-a/

Logical Graphs • Formal Development
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2024/09/12/logical-graphs-formal-development-b/

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics #Semiotics #LogicalGraphs #GraphTheory
#SpencerBrown #LawsOfForm #PropositionalCalculus #ProofAnimations

Reflection On Recursion • Discussion 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/04/21/reflection-on-recursion-discussion-1/

Re: Reflection On Recursion • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/04/06/reflection-on-recursion-1/
Re: Laws of Form • John Mingers
• https://groups.io/g/lawsofform/message/4943

JM:
❝This is a very important and interesting topic. I think you should consider the relationship to self‑reference, indeed are they really the same thing?

❝Also the work of Maturana and Varela on autopoiesis and the neurophysiology of cognition which also has recursion at its heart.❞

Thanks, John. Yes, we certainly find the whole array of self concepts coming into play here — selfhood, autopoiesis or self creation, self reference and self transformation, just to name a few. But one thing I need to emphasize from the start is how radically different such concepts appear when viewed in the x‑ray vision of Peirce’s pragmatic semiotics.

I forget where I first heard it, but it’s fairly common observation that the persistence of a recurring problem is a symptom of how unlikely it is to be solved in the paradigm where it keeps occurring.

After a while, it simply becomes time to change the paradigm …

Just by way of a first example, take the very idea of “self‑reference”. The moment we place it in the medium of triadic sign relations we realize signs do not refer to anything at all except insofar as an interpreter refers them.

And when we ask, “What is this, that we call an interpreter?”, the pragmatic theory of signs tells us we cannot tell when we turn out the light but under the x‑ray of the pragmatic maxim the sum of its effects is effectively modeled by an extended triadic sign relation.

Et sic deinceps …

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics
#Recursion #Reflection #Semiotics
#SignRelations #TriadicRelations

Reflection On Recursion • Discussion 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/04/21/reflection-on-recursion-discussion-1/

Re: Reflection On Recursion • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/04/06/reflection-on-recursion-1/
Re: Laws of Form • John Mingers
• https://groups.io/g/lawsofform/message/4943

JM:
❝This is a very important and interesting topic. I think you should consider the relationship to self‑reference, indeed are they really the same thing?

❝Also the work of Maturana and Varela on autopoiesis and the neurophysiology of cognition which also has recursion at its heart.❞

Thanks, John. Yes, we certainly find the whole array of self concepts coming into play here — selfhood, autopoiesis or self creation, self reference and self transformation, just to name a few. But one thing I need to emphasize from the start is how radically different such concepts appear when viewed in the x‑ray vision of Peirce’s pragmatic semiotics.

I forget where I first heard it, but it’s fairly common observation that the persistence of a recurring problem is a symptom of how unlikely it is to be solved in the paradigm where it keeps occurring.

After a while, it simply becomes time to change the paradigm …

Just by way of a first example, take the very idea of “self‑reference”. The moment we place it in the medium of triadic sign relations we realize signs do not refer to anything at all except insofar as an interpreter refers them.

And when we ask, “What is this, that we call an interpreter?”, the pragmatic theory of signs tells us we cannot tell when we turn out the light but under the x‑ray of the pragmatic maxim the sum of its effects is effectively modeled by an extended triadic sign relation.

Et sic deinceps …

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics
#Recursion #Reflection #Semiotics
#SignRelations #TriadicRelations

Reflection On Recursion • Discussion 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/04/21/reflection-on-recursion-discussion-1/

Re: Reflection On Recursion • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/04/06/reflection-on-recursion-1/
Re: Laws of Form • John Mingers
• https://groups.io/g/lawsofform/message/4943

JM:
❝This is a very important and interesting topic. I think you should consider the relationship to self‑reference, indeed are they really the same thing?

❝Also the work of Maturana and Varela on autopoiesis and the neurophysiology of cognition which also has recursion at its heart.❞

Thanks, John. Yes, we certainly find the whole array of self concepts coming into play here — selfhood, autopoiesis or self creation, self reference and self transformation, just to name a few. But one thing I need to emphasize from the start is how radically different such concepts appear when viewed in the x‑ray vision of Peirce’s pragmatic semiotics.

I forget where I first heard it, but it’s fairly common observation that the persistence of a recurring problem is a symptom of how unlikely it is to be solved in the paradigm where it keeps occurring.

After a while, it simply becomes time to change the paradigm …

Just by way of a first example, take the very idea of “self‑reference”. The moment we place it in the medium of triadic sign relations we realize signs do not refer to anything at all except insofar as an interpreter refers them.

And when we ask, “What is this, that we call an interpreter?”, the pragmatic theory of signs tells us we cannot tell when we turn out the light but under the x‑ray of the pragmatic maxim the sum of its effects is effectively modeled by an extended triadic sign relation.

Et sic deinceps …

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics
#Recursion #Reflection #Semiotics
#SignRelations #TriadicRelations

Reflection On Recursion • Discussion 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/04/21/reflection-on-recursion-discussion-1/

Re: Reflection On Recursion • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/04/06/reflection-on-recursion-1/
Re: Laws of Form • John Mingers
• https://groups.io/g/lawsofform/message/4943

JM:
❝This is a very important and interesting topic. I think you should consider the relationship to self‑reference, indeed are they really the same thing?

❝Also the work of Maturana and Varela on autopoiesis and the neurophysiology of cognition which also has recursion at its heart.❞

Thanks, John. Yes, we certainly find the whole array of self concepts coming into play here — selfhood, autopoiesis or self creation, self reference and self transformation, just to name a few. But one thing I need to emphasize from the start is how radically different such concepts appear when viewed in the x‑ray vision of Peirce’s pragmatic semiotics.

I forget where I first heard it, but it’s fairly common observation that the persistence of a recurring problem is a symptom of how unlikely it is to be solved in the paradigm where it keeps occurring.

After a while, it simply becomes time to change the paradigm …

Just by way of a first example, take the very idea of “self‑reference”. The moment we place it in the medium of triadic sign relations we realize signs do not refer to anything at all except insofar as an interpreter refers them.

And when we ask, “What is this, that we call an interpreter?”, the pragmatic theory of signs tells us we cannot tell when we turn out the light but under the x‑ray of the pragmatic maxim the sum of its effects is effectively modeled by an extended triadic sign relation.

Et sic deinceps …

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics
#Recursion #Reflection #Semiotics
#SignRelations #TriadicRelations

Reflection On Recursion • Discussion 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/04/21/reflection-on-recursion-discussion-1/

Re: Reflection On Recursion • 1
• https://inquiryintoinquiry.com/2026/04/06/reflection-on-recursion-1/
Re: Laws of Form • John Mingers
• https://groups.io/g/lawsofform/message/4943

JM:
❝This is a very important and interesting topic. I think you should consider the relationship to self‑reference, indeed are they really the same thing?

❝Also the work of Maturana and Varela on autopoiesis and the neurophysiology of cognition which also has recursion at its heart.❞

Thanks, John. Yes, we certainly find the whole array of self concepts coming into play here — selfhood, autopoiesis or self creation, self reference and self transformation, just to name a few. But one thing I need to emphasize from the start is how radically different such concepts appear when viewed in the x‑ray vision of Peirce’s pragmatic semiotics.

I forget where I first heard it, but it’s fairly common observation that the persistence of a recurring problem is a symptom of how unlikely it is to be solved in the paradigm where it keeps occurring.

After a while, it simply becomes time to change the paradigm …

Just by way of a first example, take the very idea of “self‑reference”. The moment we place it in the medium of triadic sign relations we realize signs do not refer to anything at all except insofar as an interpreter refers them.

And when we ask, “What is this, that we call an interpreter?”, the pragmatic theory of signs tells us we cannot tell when we turn out the light but under the x‑ray of the pragmatic maxim the sum of its effects is effectively modeled by an extended triadic sign relation.

Et sic deinceps …

#Peirce #Logic #Mathematics
#Recursion #Reflection #Semiotics
#SignRelations #TriadicRelations