Abstract

In this article, an analysis is given of some aspects of Husserl's semiotics. The article consists of three parts, corresponding to the main periods in Husserl's thought. In the first period, signs primarily function as substitutes, based on a „Zuordnung” between sign and referent. For mathematics, this correspondence has the character of mirroring (a conception which can also be found in Hilbert). In the second period, the idea of a sign is more complex. There are two kinds of signs, the idea of a sign as a substitute moves to the background and its epistemological function is connected with intentionality and ideality without communication being involved. This gives rise to several problems. In the third period of his thought, Husserl relates ideality to the constitutive activity of consciousness (in intersubjectivity). The problems mentioned earlier seem to remain