Information and the History of Philosophy

Information and the History of Philosophy is a comprehensive investigation of the history of philosophical questions around information,from before the Common Era to the twenty-first century. It covers scientific and technology-centred notions of information,views of human information processing,and socio-political topics such as the control and use of information. The book is organized into five parts and 19 chapters by an international team of contributors and is essential reading for students and researchers in the history of philosophy,philosophy of science and technology,and library and information studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 378 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In recent years, the field of information philosophy has gained significant attention within the realm of philosophy. Nevertheless, the philosophical history of information has largely been overlooked. This groundbreaking work, titled "Information and the History of Philosophy," seeks to rectify this oversight by providing a comprehensive exploration of the historical development of philosophical questions surrounding information. Spanning from ancient times to the twenty-first century, this book offers a comprehensive examination of various aspects of information, including scientific and technological perspectives, human information processing, and socio-political considerations.

The book is divided into five parts, each containing 19 chapters authored by an international team of contributors. These chapters cover a wide range of topics, including:

Information before 500 CE: This section explores the approaches to information in ancient Chinese, Greek, and Roman societies. It examines the early theories of information processing, sources of information, and cognitive processes.

Early theories of information processing: This section delves into the early theories of information processing, including the works of philosophers such as Leibniz and Descartes. It discusses the concept of information as a representation, the role of perception and cognition in information acquisition, and the development of information systems.

Information and computation in Leibniz: This section examines Leibniz's ideas about information and computation. It explores his vision of a universal language of information, his concept of the "monad," and his contributions to the development of information theory.

The nineteenth century: This section covers the nineteenth century, a period marked by significant developments in information science and technology. It explores the emergence of biological information, knowledge economies, and the role of information in empire-building and eugenics.

Recent and contemporary philosophy of information: This section examines the most recent and contemporary philosophical debates surrounding information. It addresses topics such as racialized information, Shannon information, and the idea of an information revolution.

Information and the History of Philosophy is a groundbreaking publication in the emerging field of information philosophy. It is an essential resource for students and researchers in the history of philosophy, philosophy of science and technology, library and information studies, and other related disciplines. The book offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the history of information, providing valuable insights into the development of philosophical thought and its implications for contemporary society.

In conclusion, "Information and the History of Philosophy" is a must-read for anyone interested in the philosophical study of information. By exploring the rich tapestry of historical ideas and debates surrounding information, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the evolution of philosophical thought and its relevance to our modern world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367755645