[Fis] A definition of Information

Dear John � and S�ren,

As it seems to me one makes � by introducing a distinction between
ontological and logical Firstness � a division between matter and mind;
Peirces classification of the structures with different complexity �
Firstness, Secondness and Thirdness � are supposed to classify the
analogies between �the thought of nature� and �the nature of thought�;
that is, he makes no such distinction between ontology (matter) and
logic (mind).
Let me quote: (�) every scientific explanation of a natural phenomenon
is a hypothesis that there is something in nature to which the human
reason is analogous; (CP 1.316)
As it seems to me the proposed classification of the sciences into
non-normative and normative sciences was exactly a consequence of this.
So instead of a fundamental division between matter and mind, he made a
division between patterns (=norms) that do not become copied and
patterns that do.
(I never use the word norm in the sense of a precept, but only in that
of a pattern which is copied, this being the original metaphor. (CP
1.587))
If we consider Firstness in itself, it is not a question, then, of
existence � and I do agree with John that existence is related to
Secondness � but of something which Peirce sometimes mentioned �real�
to characterize that which we cannot prove the existence of.
Existence has got to do with temporal �copying�, multiplication or
reproduction so that the existent objects become signs (symbols) that
refer to the (probable)truth of the pattern (law) governing the coming
into existence of what ever it may be (plants, snow, poetry (the words,
for example, beings symbols that refer to such a law as syntax which
organizes the order of the words)).
The �non-normative� patterns do not generate objects, that is, they do
not copy themselves and these are for example the ones which may be
mere ideas. But real.
The mathematical idea of �time wholes� is a real idea but it does not
seem to govern existent objects (that a biological body can
disintegrate in one temporal dimension and resurrect in another).
Analogous to this is the idea of �feeling� as Firstness � qualitative
variation and chance. That which in an evolutionary (temporal)
perspective is merely possible.
Defined by Peirce like this: (�) that is possible which, in a certain
state of information, is not known to be false.(CP 3.442)
All, this to say that Firstness can be considered in itself even if we
do not have scientific proof in the inductive, existential sense.

Anne Marie

                                                ...

Anne Marie Dinesen, assistant professor, ph.d.
Department for Information-and Media Studies
Aarhus University
Helsingforsgade 14,
DK-8200 Aarhus N
Denmark

tel. (45) 8942 9244 (office)
      (45) 8618 8535 (home)
        
amd@imv.au.dk
www.imv.au.dk/medarbejdere
Received on Fri Mar 19 10:40:37 2004