h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

What is the meaning of "meaning"? I've been asked this question by a friend and I'm stumped. I don't even know where to start. Can anyone offer an answer that's simple and understandable?

Do you mean (ha!) linguistically or philosophically?

Well, tell me both. I can't get a handle on the problem.

From Etymonline:
O.E. mænan "to mean, tell, say, complain," from W.Gmc. *mainijanan, from PIE *meino- "opinion, intent," from base *men- "think."

So meaning is related to "mental". Did not know that.

Philosophically... Ha!
1) Meaning does not exist by itself.
2) Meaning is constructed by the people of a given culture at a given time.
3) The function of meaning is to attempt to order the perception of the world surrounding us.
4) Meaning is the basis for as well as the result of interpreting that world around us.
5) Meaning is subject to change.

How is that for a start?

Y.

Meaning: information content

How's that?

Significance to an individual or grouping on any tangible or intangible level... this could emotional or intellectual, traditional or doctrinal, cultral or disposable trashy and of the moment...

26199, I think it's the "interpretation" that is the meaning, not the information itself...

You could start by reading "The Meaning of Meaning" by Ogden and Richards. It's a bit sketchy, but you can't tackle such a subject in detail in only 300 odd pages.

For a start, logically you can only understand the question if you already know the answer.

Noggin

Are there "Nogite" hords ala Thing?

Only on Thursdays



Noggin

Does that mean there are only Thingite Noggites on Thing?

Well I mean surely it is meaningful that no one has said anything mean, yet. Meaness would be meaningless here.

So I have no intention of being a meanie, but if you meant you want demeaning spelt out, I'd simply say that meaning means the mean essence of a thing. Not the average but the mean. Know waddi mean?

Now if that's too lean and mean, at least I meant well.


~jwf~

Perhaps if hadn't of meandered so much...

Well, there are multiple -- for want of a better word -- meanings. I think 'information content' captures the strictest one quite cleanly...

As in... what is the meaning of this sign; what information does it convey.

However the question 'what is the meaning of life'? Is getting into the more philosophical; perhaps more like 'what is the relevance of life?' or 'what is the purpose of life?'...

And of course 'what do you mean?' can mean 'what do you intend to mean?'... so in fact it's a recursively defined word

"the meaning of meaning" is often used as a description of the science of general semantics. (see http://www.xyroth-enterprises.co.uk/genseman.htm for a brief overvier and some helpfull links)

generally, it is connected with the interrelatedness and non-identity of things, and how even minor differences can significantly affect the long term consequences or understanding of even everyday things.

the general semantics sites linked from my page describe it better, especially the institute and the international society.

oops, that should have been "for a brief overview".

Yes, but 'overvier' had so much more 'style' and 'cache' if not 'meaning'. Had me fooled anyway, if that means anything.


~jwf~

Oh it does.... don't ask what... but it does...