Information: Keywords

The humanities should play an important role in interpreting and critiquing the historical, cultural, and conceptual nature of information. This book explores theories and histories of information from a humanistic perspective, considering information as a long-standing feature of social, cultural, and conceptual management. It highlights the humanistic nature of information practices and concepts and sets forth a major humanistic vision of the concept of information.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2021
Publisher: Columbia University Press

For decades, we have been immersed in the "information age," a transformative era characterized by the profound reshaping of knowledge categories and social uses. This era has witnessed the rise of quantitative assessment as a dominant paradigm, privileging the measurement and analysis of data. However, it is crucial to recognize that the humanities have a vital role to play in interpreting and critiquing the historical, cultural, and conceptual nature of information.

This book, as part of a companion series, delves into theories and histories of information from a humanistic perspective. It views information as an enduring aspect of social, cultural, and conceptual management, a matter of social practice, and a fundamental challenge for the humanities in the present day. By bringing together essays from esteemed critics, Information: Keywords sheds light on the humanistic nature of information practices and concepts. It explores key terms and their implications, describing and anticipating how the humanities can contribute to our understanding of information from diverse theoretical, historical, and global perspectives.

In conjunction with Information: A Reader, this book forms a comprehensive humanistic vision of the concept of information. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need to bridge the gap between the natural and social sciences, recognizing the rich insights and methodologies that can be drawn from the humanities to enhance our understanding of information.

As we navigate the rapidly evolving information landscape, it is essential to recognize the value of a humanities-informed perspective. By exploring the historical, cultural, and conceptual dimensions of information, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its role in shaping our world and develop strategies for its responsible management and dissemination. The humanities offer a unique lens through which to examine the complexities of information, enabling us to understand its ethical implications, social consequences, and potential for positive change.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and educators interested in exploring the humanistic dimensions of information. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and provides a roadmap for how the humanities can contribute to our understanding of information in the 21st century. By embracing the humanities, we can foster a more informed and responsible approach to information management and use, shaping a more equitable and inclusive society.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231198776