ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author tries to map the ontological sphere of reality as a foundation for such semiotic phenomena as meaning, action and learning. The constructivist epistemology begun by Kant makes it dubious or even unbelievable that reality would really be as we perceive and cognise it. Following his critique of traditional metaphysics, Kant developed the transcendental method of philosophical anthropology. This method means, or at least contains, an inquiry into what may be termed the possibility conditions of the subject under research. In addition to the ontological survey of the basic building bricks of reality, the author considers the mechanisms behind these phenomena. He concentrates on the self-preservation of an organism as a general model of action. The author describes the three main forms of learning: reorganisation, memory and problem-solving. Memory determines mainly the semiotic competence of the subject.
