Beyond realism
symbolism in the philosophy of science by Charles S. Peirce and Ernst Cassirer
pp. 97-108
in: Massimo Ferrari, Ion-Olimpiu Stamatescu (eds), Symbol and physical knowledge, Berlin, Springer, 2002Abstract
Peirce's philosophy is based upon three centers of gravity forming a system, the organization of which can be exemplified as three concentric circles. The innermost circle represents the endeavor to create an original logic of science based primarily on the history of sciences from Galileo to Mach. As the one closest to the center, this circle founds the other two; however, its scope depends on the diametes of the other two circles. The second circle represents the founding of the principle of pragmati(ci)sm.1 It conjoins the other two circles by defining the first circle's aim of an original logic of science by drawing an unusual analogy between thought and action. The third circle represents semiotics, probably the most successful part of Peircean philosophy. While the independent reception of this field of Peirce's work is only just developing, scholars' interest in the middle field, i.e. the philosophy of pragmatism, appears to be waning.
