The Biosemiotic Tradition

The Biosemiotic Tradition studies how living organisms use signs and signals to communicate, interpret information, and coordinate their actions. It views life as fundamentally connected through processes of meaning-making, where cells, organisms, and ecosystems exchange cues—like chemical messages or behaviors—that guide their development and interactions. This perspective sees biology not just as physical processes but also as involving semiotic (sign-based) activity, emphasizing that meaning and communication are essential to understanding life at all levels. It highlights the deep interconnectedness and the interpretive, informational aspects of biological systems.