The Commens Dictionary

Quote from ‘Notes on Topical Geometry’

Term: 
Symbol
Quote: 

Signs are of three kinds,

1st, the icon, which represents its object by virtue of a character which it would equally possess did the object and the interpreting mind not exist;

2nd, the index, which represents its object by virtue of a character which it could not possess did the object not exist, but which it would equally possess did the interpreting mind not operate;

3rd, the symbol, which represents its object by virtue of a character which is conferred upon it by an operation of the mind.

[—]

A symbol is a sign which represents an object by virtue of having a character imputed to it by an operation of the interpreting mind.

Source: 
Peirce, Charles S. (1899-1900 [c.]). Notes on Topical Geometry. MS [R] 142
Date: 
1899-1900 [c.]
References: 
MS [R] 142:4-6
Citation: 
‘Symbol’ (pub. 12.01.15-13:51). Quote in M. Bergman & S. Paavola (Eds.), The Commens Dictionary: Peirce's Terms in His Own Words. New Edition. Retrieved from http://www.commens.org/dictionary/entry/quote-notes-topical-geometry-3.
Posted: 
Jan 12, 2015, 13:51 by Mats Bergman