Definition of Sign
Signs abbreviate and, thus, accelerate orientation. As footholds that are specifically made to attract attention, signs are especially attractive for orientation: orientation can easily hold onto them, but they might also lead into a false direction. Thus, signs simplify orientation, but they also increase its risks. As the most important elements of the memory of our orientation, signs are retained throughout changing situations detached from the specific situations in which they are used. Signs refer to signs and can be abbreviated by means of signs in a system of signs. They are useful and understandable, even though they are not signs for certain things that you can point to.
People use signs in similar situations in a similar way, making them a kind of social support (chap. 7.1). In order to make this work, signs must be able to adapt their meanings to changing situations within certain leeways without having one meaning across all situations and for all time (chap. 7.2). In light of its ability to abbreviate what is occurring in a situation into footholds, signs, names, and terms, orientation altogether becomes an art of world abbreviation (chap. 7.3).
Not in spite of the fact signs leave room for interpretation but because of this, we are able to communicate with each other; given differing situations, the meaning of the signs must be adapted to them. They cannot be used the same way in every situation. In everyday interindividual orientation, we cultivate a diplomatic use of signs (e.g. by intentionally allowing for different meanings or by looking for other terms that are more palatable to others). This requires consideration, caution, circumspection, foresight, and a high level of attention to the ways that others use their signs. Such diplomacy of signs keeps communication going and gains time for new and more promising opportunities for connecting with others (chap. 10.5 [3]).
Note:
The chapters and the page numbers refer to the book by Werner Stegmaier, What is Orientation? A Philosophical Investigation, translated by Reinhard G. Mueller (Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter, 2019).
23, 39, 69-76, 97, 99-106, 114, 119-121, 125-128, 132-133, 141-142, 160, 168, 184-185, 194-195, 198-201, 203, 212, 236, 241, 245-246, 251, 278-279
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