Scheda Articolo

Structural Reason, Metalanguage and Infinity

in Versus n. 115, L'albero e la rete. Ricognizione dello strutturalismo, pp.73-88

Abstract

Influenced by Hilbert metamathematical program, Hjelmslev
states that linguistic theory must come to contain within itself its
own definition. Using a goedelization technique, the article shows
how this position leads to a paradox. Hjemslev’s refusal of infinity
is old fashioned, whereas his conception of metalanguage and
identity is innovative if compared to the logical one, also inherited
by Chomsky. These features are still interesting in order to comprehend
the morphodynamical development of semiotic systems.