Re: Peirce List Discussion • Benjamin Udell • Michael Shapiro
Here’s a likely locus classicus for “icon” in its logical sense:
A probability (εικος) is not the same as a sign (σηµειον). The former is a generally accepted premiss; for that which people know to happen or not to happen, or to be or not to be, usually in a particular way, is a probability: e.g., that the envious are malevolent or that those who are loved are affectionate. A sign, however, means a demonstrative premiss which is necessary or generally accepted. That which coexists with something else, or before or after whose happening something else has happened, is a sign of that something’s having happened or being. (Aristotle, Prior Analytics, 2.27.70a3–10).
Aristotle, “Prior Analytics”, Hugh Tredennick (trans.), pp. 181–531 in Aristotle, Volume 1, Loeb Classical Library, William Heinemann, London, UK, 1938.
Related content in Appendix A of Theme One Program • User Guide.
Jon — You may wish to have a look at an article I published in Language in ’08 called “Is An Icon Iconic” which is available as a PDF on my blog.
Michael