Abstract

As far as visual semiotics is concerned, color is an element of the image representing a fact of reality. However, as the mechanisms by which colors are perceived vary widely between and even within species, to say nothing of machines, this may cause misunderstanding in communication. This interdisciplinary research aims at conveying a comprehensive picture of the mechanisms that operate behind color perception and interpretation, based on data of biosemiotics and robosemiotics, i.e. taking into account different perspectives on conveying meaning between living systems, as well as machines. The paper also seeks to raise awareness of the differing conventions of the meaning of colors in human cultures. Findings from all these fields are combined and compared to make a plausible judgement about color as an instrument of deception; the authors analyze situations where interpretations of color can lead to deception either through error or as a consequence of deliberate action.