Data, signals and information in digital computation

Nir Fresco, Marty J. Wolf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Claims that computation is a form of information processing are common in computer and cognitive sciences. Unsurprisingly, the notions of'information' and 'computation' have become intimately intertwined. On the instructional information processing account, digital computation is a form of information processing. However, this account faces several problems, which stem from adopting Floridi's conceptual framework of information, that are discussed here. We briefly examine Coming's theory of control information as an alternative to Floridi's framework. Since both are found unsuitable for the task of explaining computation as a form of information processing, another conceptual framework is defended, namely, that of functional information.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-23
Number of pages23
JournalLogique et Analyse
Volume61
Issue number241
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2018

Keywords

  • Boolean circuits
  • Computation
  • Control
  • Data
  • Floridi
  • Information
  • Instructional information
  • Meaning
  • Semantics
  • Well formedness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Philosophy

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