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yatzr · 06-29-2003, 10:34 PM

another question that my philosophy instructor buddy had for me. What's the difference between signs and symbols? there were a few fights over this one. Some people said that there was no difference, some said there was. Here was my argument.

I consider a sign like a street sign. Without the underlying message of the sign, it is nothing, it is worthless. If the sign had no meaning, it would be a piece of metal in the middle of nowhere and have no value to anybody.

I consider a symbol something that by itself is something of value, but because of the situation, has an added underlying meaning. Like a necklace that your late grandma gave you that is a symbol of her. If it didn't have the underlying meaning, it would still be a necklace and something of value.

what are your thoughts?

06-29-2003, 10:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
yatzr Insane	difference between signs and symbols? another question that my philosophy instructor buddy had for me. What's the difference between signs and symbols? there were a few fights over this one. Some people said that there was no difference, some said there was. Here was my argument. I consider a sign like a street sign. Without the underlying message of the sign, it is nothing, it is worthless. If the sign had no meaning, it would be a piece of metal in the middle of nowhere and have no value to anybody. I consider a symbol something that by itself is something of value, but because of the situation, has an added underlying meaning. Like a necklace that your late grandma gave you that is a symbol of her. If it didn't have the underlying meaning, it would still be a necklace and something of value. what are your thoughts? __________________ Mechanical Engineers build weapons. Civil Engineers build targets.