- A symbol is a sign which must be interpreted in order to be understood. Pierce states that it “depends either upon a convention, a habit, or a natural disposition of its interpretant . . .” [107 p.643]. For example, we can interpret a symbol of a circle with a diagonal line through it to represent negation. Words are included in this category because they are signs that we can interpret according to culturally-accepted usage.
- An icon somehow displays that which it represents. Images can generally be thought to be iconic because within the image, one can see traits that connect it to the signified. For example, an image of a dog has four legs and generally looks like what we think a dog looks like.
- Indices are “pointers.” As Pierce explains, “I define an Index as a sign determined by its Dynamic object by virtue of being in a real relation to it” [107 p.643]. Take for instance the word, “this.” “This” has no real meaning until is connected with something. If one is eating cake at a successful gathering and states “this is good,” the word “this” could refer to either the cake or the gathering. Indices take their meaning through the act of referring.
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