interpretation needed

Question

Man is the only animal whose products recall to mind an idea distinct from their material existence. Other animals use signs but they use signs without separating the idea or the concept to be expressed from the means of expression.

What is 'their material existence'? The state of 'physically right there'?

And what does 'separating the idea or the concept to be expressed from the means of expression' mean? Does it mean that when animals use signs, it is always about something physically present there?

Feebs11 · Accepted Answer

"their material existence£ = their physical existence
Man theorises about process - he has reasoned thought and theories; animals do things without theorising about what they are doing.

MrPedantic · Answer

Perhaps "the signals of other animals are embodied in the processes to which those signals refer; but human signals embody X in Y".

Thus a dog signals aggression by baring the teeth that will bite you. We can do this too, of course; but we can also signal aggression by sending a letter full of abuse.

All the best,

MrP

Taka · Answer

MrPedanticPerhaps "the signals of other animals are embodied in the processes to which those signals refer; but human signals embody X in Y".

Does that mean that we human beings can use connotations whereas other animals cannot and their signals are always directly related to the things they want to express?

MrPedantic · Answer

I think so, yes: that among animals, the signifier and the signified have a direct physical connection.

(I'm not sure it's entirely true.)

All the best,

MrP

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