Abstract <p>The semiotic problem of the sign-meaning-sense triad is discussed as a methodological problem caused by the philosophy of external realism and the representational theory of cognition based on it. Reification of linguistic signs, along with the erroneous view of the nature and function of language as a communication tool rather than the mode of existence of humans as living (cognitive) systems, impedes scientific explanation of both language and linguistic signs. As an alternative, the core problem of semiotics is approached within the framework of constructivist epistemology that allows us to resolve the contradictions in the objectivist interpretation and explanation of sign, meaning, and sense which are viewed as emergent phenomena.</p>