The author reconstructed the epistemological assumptions of the theory of sign preconditions. On the basis of modern concepts of empirical and theoretical objects of science the author conducted consistent comparison of views on the nature and functions of the sign by philosophers of antique times, middle ages and modern times. The analysis of pre-semiotic views on the sign expressed by Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, J. Locke and G.V. Leibniz allowed to establish that the «pre-semiotic» sign is an empirical object having one main function: to obtain, to designate and disseminate knowledge in a society.

sign, empirical subject of the research, semiotics, pre-semiotics, epistemology

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