Semiosis of (Target) Groups: Peirce, Mead and the Subject

The aim of the paper is to ponder Tarasti’s theory on existential semiotics
in relations to the semiosis of the semiotic self, emotions and Umwelt. The
dynamics of the intertwined relation of individual and Umwelt is tackled by
Peirce theory of sings (sign – action). The key idea is that sign action, i.e.,
semiosis could give a more holistic view on the affect of the social environment/
Umwelt onto the interpretation of signs. Tarasti’s theory on existential semiotics
has been the starting point for pondering the question of individual and its
relations to Umwelt. Tarasti’s theory gives a clear view on the development
of the self, including the aspect of resistance and of relations to the Umwelt.
The combined approach of Tarasti’s existential semiotics, Peirce’s theory of
signs and Damasio’s neuroscientific approaches can give an opportunity to look
further on at the emotions and the role they might play in the semiosic process.
This paper aims at raising questions, finding connections and affinities
between disciplines, though without attempting to create a new theory.