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Information and Meaning

Tim Gorichanaz (College of Computing and Informatics, Drexel University, USA)

Information Experience in Theory and Design

ISBN: 978-1-83909-369-2, eISBN: 978-1-83909-368-5

Publication date: 1 October 2020

Abstract

Information is often defined in terms of meaning. Traditional theories of meaning, each with some drawbacks, have been rooted in language; but a more satisfactory theory of meaning may be rooted in information. Meaning can be defined as coordinated action toward some end. In this sense, the meaning of something is the way it affords and constrains actions, and it is therefore inextricable from its context. Meaning can be discussed in several senses, including personal, social, environmental, historical, political, etc. Because information studies is concerned with the intersection of people and information, two key conceptualizations of meaning are personal meaning and social meaning. When activities have this meaningful dimension, they make a person's life feel more valuable and worth living, as a person and/or as a member of a group. In general, personal and social meaning include aspects such as purpose and connection with others.

Keywords

Citation

Gorichanaz, T. (2020), "Information and Meaning", Information Experience in Theory and Design (Studies in Information, Vol. 14), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 113-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-537720200000014013

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020 Emerald Publishing Limited