Comprehending the Semiosis of Evolution

Learning and adaptation from a semiotic perspective

“…Such features, they argue, "enhance fi tness but were not built by natural selection for their current role" (Gould, Vrba 1982: 4). As mentioned, and as received by Sebeok, we agree with the conceptual diff erence between Darwinian adaptation and exaptation but, particularly in light of more recent research in biosemiotics (e.g., Hoff meyer 2015; Hoff meyer, Stjernfelt 2016; see Sharov et al 2015Sharov et al , 2016, we argue for the need of expanding the sense of the terms 'adaptation' and 'learning' , in view of eliminating the dichotomy. Actually, the diff erence between adaptation and exaptation is necessary for an accurate and adequate notion of learning as ecological.…”

“…Eco 1976). Sharov et al (2016: 2) explain that biosemiotics "considers that evolution is semiosis, a process of continuous interpretation and re-interpretation of hereditary signs alongside other signs that originate in the environment or the body". While the adaptation/ learning dichotomy particularly has been seldom addressed explicitly, many of its supporting dichotomies, such as, to begin with, individual/collectivity, and also agent/subject, verbal/nonverbal, human/non-human, matter/mind, living nature/ culture, have been discussed and dismissed in biosemiotics (e.g.…”

Jesper Hoffmeyer’s Biosemiotic Legacy

“…In addition to editing a special issue of this journal, Hoffmeyer also participated in the initial organization and editing of papers which were eventually published in the special issue "Semiosis of evolution" (Sharov et al 2016). The papers for this issue was originally planned to appear as a book volume.…”

Genetic Engineering and Human Mental Ecology: Interlocking Effects and Educational Considerations

“…The gradualist paradigm and the logic of genetic engineering interlock to normalize the notion that causality is bottom-up and non-contextual and that the organism’s contribution is epiphenomenal. As readers of this journal know, such a position is no longer warranted (for the active role of semiotic agents in evolution, see in particular Hoffmeyer and Kull 2003 ; Sharov et al 2016 ; Sharov 2016 ).…”