What does Eco’s approach in his doctoral dissertation emphasize?

Umberto Eco’s approach in his doctoral dissertation emphasizes the importance of semiotics, or the study of signs and symbols, in understanding communication and culture. He explores how meaning is constructed and conveyed through various forms of media, including literature and visual art. Eco’s work highlights the complexities of interpretation and the role of the reader or viewer in creating meaning, suggesting that understanding is not merely about the text itself but also about the context in which it is received. This foundational idea shaped much of his later work and his analysis of narrative structures in literature.