barebones communication

Herbert Spiegelberg:

“To intuit the phenomena seems at first blush a fairly elementary affair, if one approaches this task without preconceptions. This may be so in theory, but it is certainly not so in practice. It is one of the most demanding operations, which requires utter concentration on the object intuited without becoming absorded in it to the point of no longer looking critically. Nevertheless there is little that the beginning phenomenologist can be given by way of precise instructions beyond such metaphoric phrases as “opening his eyes,” keeping them open”,”not getting blinded,” “looking and listening,” etc. Some help in the attempt to grasp the uniqueness of specific phenomena can be obtained by comparing them with related phenomena, giving special attention to similarities and differences. Watching trained practitioners in their approach to the phenomena, usually by studying their subsequent accounts, may further sensitize one’s own intuiting”.

the phenomenological movement. a historical introduction by herbert spiegelberg, essentials of the method, page 682-683. martinus nijhoff publishers 1984, the hague/boston/lancaster.

Library Thing. 

Well, I promised you a short introduction to semiology.

Make that a not so short introduction to semiotics, and it is hereby delivered on a silver plate.

Daniel Chandler, at Aberystwyth University in Wales, UK, already did it. Much, much better that I would ever be able to do. No doubt about that.

So, let me introduce you to Daniel’s Fantastic Universe.

The good thing is that Daniel has written a web book called “Semiotics for Beginners”, it is right there for you to grab.

He has also written an extended soft cover version called “Semiotics. The Basics”. I got one from the 2nd edition just a week ago. It’s a great book, which will make me much wiser in no time And you, if you’re in for it?

If you got time and energy, this is where you want to start your introduction to semiotics and semiology. 300 plus pages. The expertise that you will acquire reading and learning this book, will take you fare beyond being a beginner.

For more on Daniel Chandler’s book please go to Library Thing. 

Thanks, Daniel