The human body, often sidelined in traditional semantic theories, is posited as central to the construction of meaning. Horst Ruthrof challenges orthodox views of meaning, from Frege to postmodern theorists, proposing his theory of 'corporeal semantics.' This approach asserts that linguistic meaning is intrinsically linked to bodily signs—visual, tactile, olfactory, and others—and that meaning remains indeterminate without them. Ruthrof's work aims to restore interpretive will, particularly in the context of postmodern thought, offering a framework that has considerable implications for various fields.

Horst Ruthrof's 'Semantics and the Body' offers a significant challenge to established theories of meaning by reintroducing the human body as a fundamental component of hermeneutic activity. The book systematically reviews and critiques various semantic frameworks before presenting Ruthrof's own theory of 'corporeal semantics.' This approach posits that meaning is inextricably tied to bodily experience and sensory input, suggesting that linguistic expressions are inherently indeterminate without these corporeal elements. The work is noted for its potential to revitalize interpretive engagement, particularly within the context of postmodern discourse, and is expected to be of considerable interest to scholars across disciplines such as linguistics, philosophy, and literary theory.