Fundamentals of Methodology Part III: The Meaning of Meaning

Abstract

This eight-part series of papers presents a selection of semantic, analytic and metaphysical considerations at the heart of methodology. By 'selection' I mean that they are what a structuralist considers to be its salient and necessary tools and principles - not necessarily those that the broader 'community of scholars' finds companionable. The present paper examines paradigmatic approaches to meaning. By that I mean we employ the general (paradigmatic) methodology previously introduced in this series in order to investigate and understand 'meaning'. This will be developed alongside the methodology of Charles Sanders Peirce, with a final discussion specific to the 'meaning of meaning' that incorporates nomenclature introduced by Umberto Eco. A provisional and then a penultimate definition will be offered for 'meaning'. A 'Concluding Unscientific Postscript' notes the relevance of meaning to the use and abuse of classical methods in logic.