A hierarchy of meaning systems based on value

The paper presents the outlines of a general, multidisciplinary theory of meaning based on the concept of value as a biological and social category, synthesizing ideas from biologically oriented psychology, semiotics and cybernetics. The theory distinguishes between four types of meaning systems: cue-based, association-based, icon-based and symbol-based , forming an evolutionary and epigenetic hierarchy. This hierarchy is applied to phylogenetic and ontogenetic development, pointing out significant parallels between the two, involving both continuity and discontinuity between different levels, i.e. meaning systems. The theory is finally applied to the field of developing intelligent artificial autonomous systems, showing grave limitations in existing systems and suggesting guidelines for future work.