AF2 Commentary: "Pansemic Futurism: From Semantics to Quantum Meaning" by mIEKAL aND (Wisconsin, USA)

 

"Pansemic Futurism" by mIEKAL aND (Wisconsin, USA) 

(November 2024) (Image courtesy of the artist)

Pansemic Futurism:

From Semantics to Quantum Meaning

by mIEKAL aND

The rapid advancement of technology is transforming our very concept of meaning. By exploring the etymology of "semantics," we trace a path toward a future where "quantum meaning" is widely understood. The term "semantics" originates from the Greek sēmantikos, meaning "significant," derived from sēma, or "sign." This highlights humanity's enduring quest to assign significance through symbols.

Historically, the act of signification has evolved with technology — from oral traditions and manuscripts to the printing revolution — each era redefining how meaning is conveyed. Walter Benjamin noted that while the "aura" of art diminishes with mechanical reproduction, accessibility increases, a paradox still relevant in the digital age.

Pansemic Futurism envisions a world where meanings are interconnected, fluid and universally accessible. Combining pan ("all") and semic ("relating to signs"), it suggests a holistic landscape of meaning. The concept of quantum meaning, inspired by quantum mechanics' superposition and entanglement, proposes that meanings are not fixed but hold multiple potentials simultaneously, dependent on the observer's context and perspective.

This societal cognitive evolution reflects a shift toward embracing ambiguity and paradox, facilitated by technologies like artificial intelligence and neural networks that mimic human cognition. While there is a risk of semantic saturation and information overload, this era offers an opportunity for deeper understanding through multiple perspectives.

The implications of Pansemic Futurism are vast. In education, it demands the promotion of critical thinking and interpretative agility. Culturally, it encourages artistic expressions that embrace complexity and challenge singular narratives. In communication, new methods are needed to convey layered meanings effectively. Redefining the role of signs, they become dynamic interfaces within a networked cognition, blurring the lines between author and audience as meaning is co-created in real time.

Ultimately, meaning is not a singular truth but a mosaic of diverse expressions. The pansemic horizon invites us to embrace uncertainty, find unity in diversity, and navigate an infinite tapestry of signification.

- November 24, 2024

West Lima, Wisconsin