Start Date
11-12-2016 12:00 AM
Description
We propose the thought experiment as a useful but neglected ‘method’ of research within Information Systems. To demonstrate the usefulness of this approach we use the particular ‘intuition pump’ of a signaling game, taken from the philosophy of convention, to demonstrate how information can be seen to evolve as a complex, systemic accomplishment amongst a community of actors. An example from the study of animal communication is first used to highlight the relevance of this thought experiment. We then unpack various ideas about the nature of information in terms of component elements of the signaling game. We also demonstrate the way in which this thought experiment helps clarify the relationship between information and that of agency, embodiment, intentionality and materiality. This leads us to demonstrate the applicability of the signalling game to a class of information system ubiquitous in the human sphere: that of an effective manual system.
Recommended Citation
Beynon-Davies, Paul, "Signaling games: thought experiments and Information Systems" (2016). ICIS 2016 Proceedings. 1.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2016/Methodological/Presentations/1
Signaling games: thought experiments and Information Systems
We propose the thought experiment as a useful but neglected ‘method’ of research within Information Systems. To demonstrate the usefulness of this approach we use the particular ‘intuition pump’ of a signaling game, taken from the philosophy of convention, to demonstrate how information can be seen to evolve as a complex, systemic accomplishment amongst a community of actors. An example from the study of animal communication is first used to highlight the relevance of this thought experiment. We then unpack various ideas about the nature of information in terms of component elements of the signaling game. We also demonstrate the way in which this thought experiment helps clarify the relationship between information and that of agency, embodiment, intentionality and materiality. This leads us to demonstrate the applicability of the signalling game to a class of information system ubiquitous in the human sphere: that of an effective manual system.