Dynamic Semiosis: Meaning, Informing, and Conforming in Constructing the Past

Abstract

Constructed Past Theory (CPT) is an abstract representation of how information about the past is produced and interpreted. It is grounded in the assertion that whatever we can write or say about anything in the past is the product of cognition. Understanding how information about the past is produced requires the identification and analysis of both the sources on which that information is based and the way in which the constructor approaches the task to select, analyze, and organize information to achieve the purpose for which the information was sought. CPT models this dual process, providing a basis for evaluation. It is descriptive, not prescriptive. CPT has been articulated using UML class diagrams with the objective of facilitating implementation in automated systems. This article reformulates CPT using type theory and extends its reach by applying and adapting concepts from semiotics. The results are more detailed models that facilitate differentiating what things meant to people in the past from how the constructor understands them. This article concludes with suggestions for applying CPG concepts in constructing information about the past and identifying areas where further research is needed.