Here is an article that I scanned some time ago, it was written by Andre
de Tienne:
http://www.medic.chalmers.se/~jmo/semiotic/Peirce_s_semiotic_monism.pdf
the first page is missing, but I think than anyone interested in signs
and in triadic relations should read it.
to summarize: being a 'first', 'second' or 'third' within a genuine
triadic relation (like in S, O, I) is a role, a function that the
elements have with respect to one another (i.e. being something, being
something else, being something that mediate between the other two
elements), it is not a property attached to the sign, the object or the
interpretant forever. The order of the elements (1, 2, 3) are like
ordinal labels: they can change roles, because their function changes
depending on how the relation is being analysed.
as a consequence the object and the interpretant too can mediate between
the other two elements of the relation.
here are some excepts:
"... The function of a given element can vary, depending on the
perspective taken in the analysis of the triad. It can thus happen that
an element that was considered as a third from a certain perspective A,
will be considered as a second or a first from a different perspective B
or C. This is possible because the elements are not considered in their
categorial hierarchy, but in their functional identity. I will soon draw
extensively on this important feature.In the third place, Peirce makes
in his theory of the categories the crucial"
"Peirce's favorite word to characterize thirdness is mediation. A third
is a medium between a first and a second. If each of the correlates of a
genuine triad is a third, that means that each of them is something that
mediates between the other two correlates. This much granted, let us
examine in this light the triadic sign. Peirce's general definition of
the sign is that which stands for an object to an interpretant. What we
have here are the three terms of a purportedly genuine triad: sign,
object and interpretant. Each is a third - each can thus be viewed as a
mediating term."
Please read it, Gary, Ben & co maybe it will provide you with some
valuable information.
/JM
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