A Semiotic Theory of Theology and Philosophy

The concern of this work is with developing an alternative to standard categories in theology and philosophy, especially in terms of how they deal with nature. Avoiding the polemics of much contemporary reflection on nature, it shows how we are connected to nature through the unconscious and its unique way of reading and processing signs. Spinoza’s key distinction between natura naturans and natura naturata serves as the governing framework for the treatise. Suggestions are made for a post-Christian way of understanding religion. Robert S. Corrington’s work represents the first sustained attempt to bring together the fields of semiotics, depth-psychology, pragmaticism, and a post-Monotheistic theology of nature. Its focus is on how signification functions in human and non-human orders of infinite nature. Our connection with the infinite is described in detail, especially as it relates to the use of sign systems.

• A new metaphysical system with a radical conception of nature • A grounding of semiotics, not in language, but in nature itself • A rethinking of depth-psychology

1. The paradox of ‘nature’ and psychosemiosis; 2. The sign vehicle and its pathways; 3. World semiosis and the evolution of meaning.

‘Robert Corrington’s recent book is a stunningly original and imaginatively developed work of metaphysics …Persons unfamiliar with Corrington’s earlier work should brace themselves for an extraordinary reading experience with this text. Only a handful of brave souls really do metaphysics anymore; and absolutely no one does it in quite the way that Corrington does it.’

– Michael L. Raposa, Modern Theology

‘Corrington’s semiotic exploration exceeds where other descriptions do not. This is speculative philosophy that is challenging and refreshing.’

– Roger Ward, Philosophy in Review