The Meaning of Objects and the Meaning of Actions

Abstract

The tendency to take the meanings commonly attached to objects and extend them to the meanings attached to their use is the object of an extended cri tique. A discussion of the consumption of clothing is used to demonstrate that this tendency involves confusing two logically distinct frames of analy sis, the study of material objects and the study of actions. Two central differ ences between these frameworks are identified, that of the parameters of identity and the nature of meaning. The question of whether the purchase and wearing of items of clothing should be regarded as actions in the full sense is debated, as too is the claim that, even when known to be actions, they can be regarded as revealing choices between alternative life-styles or identities. It is concluded that determining 'the meaning' of an action is a far more complex and difficult process than seeking for 'the meaning' of an object.