The term that best describes the principle that a sign's meaning depends on its contrasts with other signs is "relational identity".
Semiotics concept:
This idea is central to the field of semiotics, which studies how signs and symbols create meaning.
Saussure's theory:
Ferdinand de Saussure, a key figure in semiotics, emphasized that a sign gains its meaning through its position within a system of other signs, where its value is defined by its differences from the others.
Key points about relational identity:
Contrast is key: A sign's meaning is not inherent but arises from how it is differentiated from other signs within a system.
Example: The word "big" only makes sense because we can contrast it with "small".
Systemic understanding: To fully understand the meaning of a sign, you need to consider its relationships with other signs in the same system.
