The Symbological Project

Abstract

The study of symbolism can employ three different perspectives. These ‘orders’ are each characterized by a distinct ontology. One is a realistic exploration of the social grounding of symbolism. Another concerns iconic codes and their use in the building of possible worlds, so creating their own realities. The discursive order is the ongoing conversation about the world and implies an ontology grounded in the use of language. Parallel investigations, each based on incompatible ontological presuppositions, also raise the question whether phenomena delineated within one such universe can have an influence in another. Do we in social life meet ‘hybrid’ versions of symbolism, both discursive, iconic and realist, springing from the simultaneous use of entirely different communicative and expressive codes?