From sign to habit: semiotics and pragmaticism in the context of information and communication technologies

• Grant number: 20/13316-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): April 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Philosophy - Epistemology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Eunice Quilici Gonzalez
• Grantee: Gabriel Engel Ducatti
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências (FFC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Marília. Marília , SP, Brazil

Abstract

We aim in this research project to investigate possible epistemological developments of the massive insertion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the dynamics of belief fixation. Starting from a Semiotic and Pragmaticist analysis, with emphasis on the philosophy of Charles Sanders Peirce, we will analyze questions about the sign relations existing between users of digital media, considering possible impacts on the establishment of habits of conduct. The initial question that will guide the research can be stated as follows: what contributions can semiotics and pragmaticism bring to the epistemological study of the dynamics of fixing beliefs, in the current digital environment of ICT users? Semiotics, as a science that investigates the dynamics of languages, conceiving them as signs, will help us in the discussion about the systems of signs that constitute the relationships between users and digital media devices. Guided by Pragmaticism, we will discuss hypotheses about types of beliefs emerging from the dynamics established among ICT users, highlighting the possible influence and effectiveness of misinformation in virtual environments. Although we have Peirce's theoretical perspective as a basis, we believe that the complexity of the problem under analysis requires an interdisciplinary approach that dialogues with various authors and areas of knowledge. Thus, we are ready to carry out a philosophical-interdisciplinary study of a thematic nature, aimed at analyzing the dynamics of the systems of signs that constitute the relationship between users and the virtual environment in the process of fixing beliefs. (AU)