A semiotic model of mind. 2000

D D Olds
Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, USA. Ddo1@columbia.edu

A theory of signs is presented to arrive at a model of mind that provides a smooth transition from inanimate matter to the thinking brain. Principles of information theory and semiotics are invoked to create a conceptual scheme that can contribute to an understanding of the "mind-body problem." The thesis is pursued that in living systems, as opposed to inorganic ones, there occurs the phenomenon of semiotic transmission of information. The result is a "dualistic-materialist" position; the dualism arises from the fact that at the beginning of life a set of processes comes into being different from those of the inorganic world. This model has implications for psychology and psychoanalysis. It allows for semiotic systems at different levels--e.g., the molecular, the neural network, the language system, and higher mental functions--to be integrated. Analytic concepts such as free association, clinical technique, feedback systems, personality structure, transference, and repetition compulsions can be understood in both biological and semiotic terms. This model interdigitates with linguistic studies already done in psychoanalysis, as well as with biological models extrinsic to the field.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008037 Linguistics The science of language, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and historical linguistics. (Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2d ed) Linguistic
D008606 Mental Processes Conceptual functions or thinking in all its forms. Information Processing, Human,Human Information Processing
D008960 Models, Psychological Theoretical representations that simulate psychological processes and/or social processes. These include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Model, Mental,Model, Psychological,Models, Mental,Models, Psychologic,Psychological Models,Mental Model,Mental Models,Model, Psychologic,Psychologic Model,Psychologic Models,Psychological Model
D011572 Psychoanalysis The separation or resolution of the psyche into its constituent elements. The term has two separate meanings: 1. a procedure devised by Sigmund Freud, for investigating mental processes by means of free association, dream interpretation and interpretation of resistance and transference manifestations; and 2. a theory of psychology developed by Freud from his clinical experience with hysterical patients. (From Campbell, Psychiatric Dictionary, 1996). Psychodynamic Analysis,Analyses, Psychodynamic,Analysis, Psychodynamic,Psychodynamic Analyses
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D019222 Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical The relation between the mind and the body in a religious, social, spiritual, behavioral, and metaphysical context. This concept is significant in the field of alternative medicine. It differs from the relationship between physiologic processes and behavior where the emphasis is on the body's physiology ( Mind-Body Relations (Metaphysics),Mind-Body Relations (Non-Physiology),Body-Mind Relations,Soul-Body Relations,Body Mind Relations,Body-Mind Relation,Metaphysical Mind-Body Relation,Metaphysical Mind-Body Relations,Mind Body Relations (Metaphysics),Mind Body Relations (Non Physiology),Mind Body Relations, Metaphysical,Mind-Body Relation (Metaphysics),Mind-Body Relation (Non-Physiology),Mind-Body Relation, Metaphysical,Relation, Body-Mind,Relation, Metaphysical Mind-Body,Relation, Mind-Body (Metaphysics),Relation, Mind-Body (Non-Physiology),Relation, Soul-Body,Relations, Body-Mind,Relations, Metaphysical Mind-Body,Relations, Mind-Body (Metaphysics),Relations, Mind-Body (Non-Physiology),Relations, Soul-Body,Soul Body Relations,Soul-Body Relation

Related Publications

D D Olds
September 2020, Integrative psychological & behavioral science,
D D Olds
April 2025, Integrative psychological & behavioral science,
D D Olds
March 1993, Acta psiquiatrica y psicologica de America latina,
D D Olds
January 1986, Schizophrenia bulletin,
D D Olds
December 2007, Integrative psychological & behavioral science,
D D Olds
November 1995, The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science,
D D Olds
November 1995, The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science,
D D Olds
November 1995, The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science,
D D Olds
August 2016, Trends in cognitive sciences,
Copied contents to your clipboard!