Abstract
We propose a difference theory of information. The difference theory of information defines information as adaptation, as any difference that makes a difference (Bateson 1973). The theory posits that information workers such as symbolic analysts, end users and systems analysts perceive differences and conceive information. This theory of information is applied to several IS scenarios to demonstrate its utility. One primary use from this theory is to enforce a difference between data and information.
Recommended Citation
McKinney, Earl; Yoos II, Charles; and Kroenke, David, "A Preliminary Information Theory of Difference" (2012). AMCIS 2012 Proceedings. 9.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2012/proceedings/PerspectivesIS/9
A Preliminary Information Theory of Difference
We propose a difference theory of information. The difference theory of information defines information as adaptation, as any difference that makes a difference (Bateson 1973). The theory posits that information workers such as symbolic analysts, end users and systems analysts perceive differences and conceive information. This theory of information is applied to several IS scenarios to demonstrate its utility. One primary use from this theory is to enforce a difference between data and information.