Charles Sanders Peirce was an American philosopher, logician, mathematician, and scientist, born in 1839. He is best known for his work in the field of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, and their role in communication. Peirce developed a theory of signs that categorized them into three types: icons, indexes, and symbols, which has influenced various disciplines, including linguistics and philosophy. Peirce also contributed significantly to the philosophy of pragmatism, which emphasizes the practical consequences of beliefs and ideas. His work laid the foundation for later thinkers, including William James and John Dewey, and continues to be relevant in contemporary discussions about meaning and interpretation.