Matrices of concepts

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The matrices of concepts are a conceptual tool put forth by philosopher Paul Franceschi, that aim at providing an alternative to the semiotic square described by Greimas. To the difference of the semiotic square, a matrice of concepts is made up of 6 concepts, from which two are neutral, two are positive and two are negative. The relationships between the 6 concepts of the same matrix can be stated as follows:

• A0 et Ā0 are dual or inverse; A+ et Ā- are contraries; A- et Ā+ are contraries
• A+ et Ā+ are complementary, in the same way as Ā+ and Ā-
• A+ et A- are corollary, in the same way as Ā+ and Ā-
• A0 et A+ are connex, in the same way as A0 and A-, Ā0 and Ā+, Ā0 and Ā-

The applications of the matrices of concepts relate to paradigmatic analysis, but also to the dialectical plan, and more generally to the study of concepts.

[edit] References

• Paul Franceschi, English translation of a paper initially published in French under the title Le plan dialectique: pour une alternative au paradigme, Semiotica, vol. 146 (1-4), 2003, pp. 353-367

[edit] See also

• the semiotic square
• the dialectical plan