data and meaning

In response to Christophe Menant's post, , I'd say that not all
components of a signal are 'information'. Rather, the signal begins
as 'data' from X-entity, which can be, if received by Y-entity,
transformed to information via Y's MGS system. [Actually, I think
that this transformation requires an interaction of BOTH system's
MGS systems. Not just one.]

The MGS system, as a system-of-constraints, is quite similar to
Peircean Thirdness, the normative habits of a community (whether
abiotic, biotic species or human etc). And therefore, similar to what
Aristotle had in mind with 'Form'. This system does act as a
formative constraint. Therefore, the process-of-meaning, is triadic.
Sensual data doesn't move directly to interpretated information.
Rather, it reaches that 'informed state' by being transformed via the
mediate constraints.

Data which is unprocessed by that mediate system
(MGS/THIRDNESS etc) will be random and without meaning. It will
be picked up, I feel, by some other system and transformed to
information.

This mediate process, as Christophe points out, should not be
viewed within a perspective aligning it with the human psyche. As
for the intentionality of the constraints (to survive, as Christophe
points out), I'm less certain of that for again, that inserts psyche. I
suggest a more elementary intentionality. It's for the survival of
energy. Energy can only exist as mass. And mass operating only
as random formations is non-productive. Therefore, constraints
develop that produce processes of the transformation of energy to
mass in a stable and productive manner. This ensures the
continuity of energy on our planet. The constraint mediate system
becomes more complex, ensuring greater stability (and at the
same time - this increased complexity makes the processes
happen faster). Now- can one then focus on one particular
constraint system (ie, a particular species' DNA code) and say that
its intention is for the continuity of the individual? Or even the
species?) I think it's more basic. It's the continuity of the
transformation of energy to mass. And how that continuity is
achieved (ie which species' code)...is not that important.

Edwina Taborsky
Bishop's University Phone:(819)822.9600 Ext.2424
Lennoxville, Quebec Fax: (819)822.9661
Canada JIM 1Z7
Received on Fri Oct 4 14:32:36 2002