THE RELATIONAL CIRCUIT REVISITED

 

Paul Ryan

Media Studies, New School University, NYC

255 West 105th Street #42, NYC, NY 10025

waterpr3@aol.com

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ABSTRACT

The author revisits the relational circuit, an original topological figure that synthesizes cybernetics and semiotics. This circuit was first presented to the semiotic community in a 1991 essay entitled ‘A Sign of itself’. Technical issues discussed include the difference between a torus and the relational circuit as well as the possibility of difference without discontinuity. Issues of meaning discussed include the possibility of using the feedback made possible by the relational circuit for conflict resolution in the context of our current war on terror.

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