representasi

Representasi, or representation, is a concept used across disciplines to denote the means by which ideas, objects, or roles are shown, stood in for others, or embedded within systems of signs. It covers how something is depicted, how it stands for something else, and how information is structured for processing by humans or machines.

In philosophy and semiotics, representation refers to the relationship between a sign and its object. Peirce’s model treats signs as triadic, connecting representamen, object, and interpretant. Representation also concerns how thought forms stand in for external reality, and how meaning is negotiated within culture.

In political science, representation describes the act of speaking and acting on behalf of others within a political system. It involves elected delegates or trustees who make decisions for constituents, and it raises questions about consent, accountability, and the distance between principals and agents.

In mathematics and computer science, representation designates the way objects are encoded using symbols, coordinates, or data structures. Knowledge representation in AI studies how facts, rules, and procedures are stored to support reasoning and decision-making.

In linguistics and cognitive science, mental and linguistic representations underlie comprehension and production of language, concepts, and perceptions. In media and cultural studies, representation examines how groups and identities are portrayed, shaping social meaning and power relations.

Critiques emphasize bias, abstraction, and the limits of representation; accurate, fair, and diverse representation is a continuing aim across disciplines.