Informationism, Information and Its Neuronal Theories

Informationism, Information and Its Neuronal Theories

DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61350-201-3.ch004
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Abstract

In this chapter an epistemology, based in the information, as the paradigm, that rules our lives, is stated - Informationism -. Information, or perhaps the message, reaches the brain as tiny impulses - quanta or useful information -, hitting and activating the neurones; as a consequence becoming quanta of useful information which produce knowledge, science and wisdom. Some definitions of information are quoted, as well as its connotations and peculiarities. The physical, psychic and pragmatic, etc. connotations of information are studied, including its energetic aspect; within a Cosmovision of it. Some neuronal theories are also studied.
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Introduction

A transmutation process is taking place in these historical times of changes in social structures, which affects all human manifestations. Considered as a whole, as an essential element, information is also affected by the transmutations that are currently taking place. The concept of information is changed and widened. For instance, Lutz Herrschaft (2000) states, in 1996, that information is an attribute, a quality from the object, an added value. Some are warned about its incoherence and the mirage it can turn out to be. However, underlying information there is a whole process typical of living beings, to adapt their existential passing to the environment in which they live; also to adapt the environment to their natural living condition. Among human beings, this process acquires very special connotations; it is an ontological process involving intelligence. Therefore intelligence, as a human faculty, plays an essential role, directly affecting information.

Considered both as a natural phenomenon and as a dynamic and evolutionary process (Curras, 1998), information acquires a new dimension, going from the being to the environment and from the environment to the being. It is therefore an unavoidable means for the integrating process which builds up society. Alexander I. Mikhailov (1982) pointed out that society exists because information does. Without information there would be no link between individuals. These individuals are, on the other hand, doomed in fact to coexist, in an unlimited unity of universal destiny, thus articulating society (Curras, 2008).

The number of studies about information, its nature, its idiosyncrasy, its intrinsic values, its applications and economic repercussions, is increasing lately. These studies have always been carried out taking into account the essential characteristic of information, which provides its reason for being: its usefulness. Authors such as Norbert Henrichs (1997), Rafael Capurro (2000), Peter Ingwersen (1996), Jiri Cejpek (1998), J. Zeman(1994), D. Katuscák (1998), and the author of this article (Curras, 2008), have mainly based their information theory on how to make information attainable for whomever it is necessary. There is research on means and methods, either manual or computerized, to make the data present in documents accessible and useful. In all this is shown the fact that information is considered as a process; a process involving a theoretical and industrial evolution. Most of the bibliography found refers to information from this point of view. However, information includes a phenomenological connotation which has an impact on the development of individuals and on their scientific and social actions as well.

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