On the Logic of Animal Umwelten: The Animal Subjective Present and Zoosemiotics of Choice and Learning

Abstract

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the mutual relationship between the classes of signs, mechanisms of learning, and types of umwelten. This framework is necessary in order to describe the animal ways of meaning-making in the context of various forms of semiosis. We state that semiosis only occurs in the internal present. An account of the linkage of vegetative, animal, social, and cultural umwelten with corresponding classes of signs and mechanisms of learning (imprinting, conditioning, imitating, conventioning) is provided. We also formulate two rules of semiotic development that characterise the ontogeny of the umwelt.