ABSTRACT
This chapter serves as an introduction to semiotic theory and method in public policy. Society's discourse occurs through abstraction; the use of signs is part of how people communicate with one another and is dependent on the context of the use. The words themselves do not create meaning - rather, those apprehending the words, voicing them, hearing and understanding their message, are invested in the prospect of creating meaning. The chapter offers a consideration of semiotics historically and generally. Meaning-making, modalities, and arbitrariness in problem definition and policy conception figure in a discussion of semiotics and policy applications. The connection of semiotics to public policy and law is discussed.
