Arbitrary Signals and Cognitive Complexity

The arbitrariness of a signal has long been seen as theoretically important but difficult to pin down notion. In this article, we suggest there are at least two different notions play in philosophical and scientific debates concerning the use arbitrary signals, work towards improved analyses both. We then consider how these types can co-occur come apart. Finally, examine connections between cognitive complexity users with an eye better evaluating one possible form human-nonhuman communicative continuity. show that each type bears its own nuanced relationship complexity, demonstrating theoretical importance keeping separate.