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A conceptual framework for digital civics pedagogy informed by the philosophy of information

Estelle Clements (Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland)

Journal of Documentation

ISSN: 0022-0418

Article publication date: 15 January 2020

Issue publication date: 11 February 2020

376

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

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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