Chapter 10: Semantic Communications

This chapter explores the nature of semantic communication, initially by differentiating between second and third order cybernetics. Luhmann’s (1986) theory of social communication is a second order cybernetics. In attempting to elaborate on this we adopt Briers approach of cybersemiotics that links Luhmann’s work to that of semiotics. In particular, it provides a view of the relationship between motivation/intentionality in communication events between autonomous sources and sinks, and the function of semiosis. As such we consider the nature of semiotics, which incidentally connects to Shannon and Weaver’s theory of communication. Habermas’s (1987) approach can be related to a third order cybernetics that draws on the notions of lifeworld and the role of semantic processes. This can be connected to Swanson’s context that explores knowledge in terms of concepts and in relation to communication and information.