Significs, semiotics and synthesis - A.D. de Groot's contributions to significs

Journal/Book: Theor Psychol. 1999; 9: 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA. Sage Publications Inc. 67-87.

Abstract: In A.D. De Groot's semiotic work from 1944 to the present day, three motives are discerned: (a) the elimination of misunderstandings among psychologists, due to terminology; (b) the desire for consensus about the uses of key concepts before their elaboration in theoretical and applied psychology; and (c) the acceptance of pluralism as regards styles, methods and interpretations in the behavioral sciences. First, the significance of De Groot's early publications is sketched against the background of similar developments in the Dutch tradition of signifies. Next it is argued that De Groot's methodological work has interesting semiotic aspects, for example with respect to the question of surplus meanings. Finally, results of De Groot's later Signific Concept Analysis are presented insofar as they are relevant for contemporary psychology. The question that remains is how far De Groot's actual proposals for definitions of key concepts can be accepted. The purpose of the paper is to promote further discussion of De Groot's attempts at unifying psychology on a sound semiotic basis.

Note: Article Visser H, Tilburg Univ, Fac Philosophy, POB 90153, NL-5000 LE Tilburg, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): definition; meaning; psychology; semiotics; signifies

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