LEGISIGN Meaning and
Definition
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A legisign is a term derived from semiotics, which refers to a type of sign that represents a law or a rule. It is a concept introduced by the American philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce, who categorized signs into three main categories: icon, index, and symbol. In Peirce's framework, a legisign falls under the category of a symbol, which denotes a conventionally or culturally established sign that represents an abstract or general meaning.
A legisign can take various forms, such as a written law, a legal document, or a signboard displaying rules and regulations. The crucial aspect of a legisign is its representation of a law or a rule, allowing it to convey specific instructions or guidelines. Legisigns are created to ensure social order, establish legal frameworks, and govern human behavior in various contexts, including legislative systems, organizational settings, and public spaces.
Unlike other types of signs, a legisign relies heavily on interpretation and human understanding of the underlying rules or laws it represents. It acts as a mediator between the abstract concept of a law and the application of that law in everyday life. For example, traffic signs indicating speed limits or parking restrictions are legisigns that facilitate compliance with traffic regulations.
In summary, a legisign is a sign that represents a law or a rule, serving as a tangible and communicative entity that conveys legal information and guides human behavior in adherence to established norms and regulations.
Etymology of LEGISIGN
The word "legisign" is a term coined by Charles S. Peirce, an American philosopher, logician, and semiotician, in his theory of semiotics or the study of signs. It is derived from the Latin word "lex" meaning law, and the Greek word "sēmeion" meaning sign. Peirce intended "legisign" to represent a specific type of sign or sign-process with its own unique characteristics and behaviors. In his semiotic system, signs can be classified into various categories, and "legisign" is one such category representing signs that function as laws, rules, or conventions governing the behavior or interpretation of other signs.
