A conceptual framework for digital civics pedagogy informed by the philosophy of information
ISSN: 0022-0418
Article publication date: 15 January 2020
Issue publication date: 11 February 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to draw on the philosophy of information, specifically the work of Luciano Floridi, to argue that digital civics must fully comprehend the implications of the digital environment, and consequently an informational ontology, to deliver to students an education that will prepare them for full participation as citizens in the infosphere.
Design/methodology/approach
Introducing this philosophy for use in education, the research discusses the ethical implications of ontological change in the digital age; informational organisms and their interconnectivity; and concepts of agency, both organic and artificial in digitally mediated civic interactions and civic education.
Findings
With the provision of a structural framework rooted in the philosophy of information, robust mechanisms for civics initiatives can be enacted.
Originality/value
The paper allows policy makers and practitioners to formulate healthy responses to digital age challenges in civics and civics education.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author has no interests to declare. This work was supported by the Dublin Institute of Technology.
Citation
Clements, E. (2020), "A conceptual framework for digital civics pedagogy informed by the philosophy of information", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 76 No. 2, pp. 571-585. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-07-2019-0139
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited