"The tool of tools" : uma revisão da influência darwinista na teoria da linguagem de John Dewey

Abstract

It is notable that, despite the undeniable and incessant advances in investigations on the workings of language and its value for human experience, little has been explored about its origin and naturalistic foundations. Following the philosophy of American pragmatism, John Dewey (1859-1952) was able to contribute with a treatment of language that associates it with the naturalistic bases of knowledge. The present work aims to show how Darwin's influence on Dewey's philosophical program is reflected in his theory of language. Thus, the main thinkers of pragmatism and its fundamental structure of thought are presented; the theoretical parallel between Darwin and Dewey is discussed, as well as their theses on natural experience; and, finally, Dewey's theory of language is synthesized in the light of Darwinian influence and the parameters of pragmatism. It is hoped that this work will contribute to the investigations on language as it provides a framework of aspects to be observed in the formulation of a general theory of biosemiotics (or biosemiology).