The generation of information

Edwina Taborsky

39 Jarvis St. #318

Toronto, Ontario

M5E 1Z5 Canada

416.361.0898

taborsky@primus.ca

Abstract

The conversion of an asymmetrical morphological form of data, called the Object or Input, via symmetry-inducing programs of Memory or Knowledge, produces another asymmetrical morphological form, known as Information. This dynamic process is examined as a function, f(x)=y.

The triadic process of transformation from data to information is shown to operate in two modes. There is a primitive system similar to a mechanical process. This uses an external aggregate memory and has merely a marginal evolutionary capacity. The other mode is a complex adaptive system, which adds a different type of memory, an internal imaginary memory (i.e., it references virtual or imaginary probabilities). The mechanical process enforces a robust iconic continuity of information but with minimal capacity to adapt or learn and develop new modes of information. The complex system, with both an external and internal memory, has the capacity to learn; it can anticipate and compute adaptive interactions and develop innovative modes of information.

A robust complex system requires both types of memory. The paper examines the ontological and epistemological nature of information generation.