Re: virus: Meaning, A Puzzle

Lena Rotenberg (lrr@netkonnect.net)
Sat, 28 Feb 1998 21:10:23 -0500


David asked,

Fair enough. What kinds of observers can give something meaning? What
is it about them that gives them that ability?

Wade replied,

'Meaning' must be created by something- an observer.

Is the observation enough to impart meaning? Like I said, I think you are
working towards qualities of meaning, which, yes, could also be qualities
of the observers, the meaning-makers.

I ask,

Are we assuming that there are special observers that give things meaning?
Doesn't every human construct meaning, sometimes independently, sometimes
influenced by other humans?

For example, a certain leftover in my fridge can have a specific meaning to
me.

And here on CoV we're attempting to understand some mechanisms whereby
humans influence others to effect "contagion" of meanings.

Observation doesn't seem to suffice.

lena