Citation

Campos MN. Commun. Theory 2007; 17(4): 386-410.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, International Communication Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1468-2885.2007.00304.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Ecology of meanings is proposed as a theoretical model to explain communication processes. It is a critical constructivist approach that integrates the model of exchange values by Jean Piaget and the communication model of schematization by Jean-Blaise Grize, and explores a research path envisaged by Jürgen Habermas in the theory of communicative action. The model leads to an understanding of communication science as a transversal discipline that crosses all others; that is, both psychological and social, and that accounts for universal and necessary as well as particular and contingent knowledge. In this article, the model and potential contributions are explained.