10cubes and 3N3: Using interactive diagrams to investigate Charles Peirces classifications of signs

Abstract

This article presents some results of a research on computational strategies for the visualization of sign classification structures and sign processes. The focus of this research is the various classifications of signs described by Peirce. Two models are presented. One of them concerns specifically the 10-fold classification as described in the 1903 Syllabus (MS 540, EP 2:289299), while the other deals with the deep structure of Peirces various trichotomic classifications. The first is 10cubes, an interactive 3-D model of Peirces 10-fold classification, as described in the Syllabus. The second is 3N3, a computer program that builds equivalent diagrams for any ntrichotomic classification of signs. We are specially interested in how a graphic design methodology, associated with computer graphic resources and techniques, can contribute to the construction of interactive models that serve as tools for the investigation of C. S. Peirces theory of signs. Copyright © 2004 by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG.