Re-Conceiving Information Studies: A Quantum Approach

Abstract

This presentation is a suggestion for rethinking future inquiry in information studies. Features of quantum theory, including examining information and informing action as non-local, dynamic, and time-reversible allow for a departure from existing intellectual constraints. The result desired would be a renaissance in the examination of complex processes, examination not limited by past materialist, instrumentalist, and static conceptions.Cette communication propose une nouvelle façon de penser un questionnement futur en science de l’information. Des notions de théorie quantique, y compris examiner l’information et éclairer les interventions dans une optique non locale, dynamique et réversible permettent de s’éloigner des contraintes intellectuelles actuelles. Le résultat souhaité serait une renaissance de l’examen de processus complexes, non limité aux anciennes conceptions matérialistes, instrumentalistes et statiques.

“Potentialities or possibilities”: Towards quantum information science?

“…In what seems to be the only paper addressing this issue in detail (our justification for examining arguments in some detail), Budd () sets out a vision for a conception of the information studies discipline based on quantum concepts. His aim is “to demonstrate that fundamental aspects of quantum theory can be applied to work in information studies … as a way to shape questions and inquiry” (Budd, , p. 567). (“Information studies” is not defined specifically, but we take it to be the broad field encompassing information science and cognate disciplines, the area covered by this review.)…”

“…This, he sees as an essentially qualitative task, proceeding in a way opposite to those who seek to apply the mathematical formalisms of quantum theory to problems of the information sciences, without worrying over much about any lack of qualitative justification. Budd is interested in “most especially, the non‐ or extra‐mathematical components of quantum theory [which may] offer ontological and epistemic modes of thought that apply to information” (Budd, , p. 567). If this is to make any sense, as Budd notes, we have to accept that some of the qualitative concepts encountered in quantum mechanics may have relevance to life on the macro‐scale, and specifically to information: concepts such as entanglement and non‐locality.…”

“…This means that information should be amenable, at least to an extent, to study and analysis by means of the same concepts and mathematical formalisms as physical systems. A second general argument in support of this kind of analysis is that science is showing links between, and common principles joining, the micro‐ and macro‐levels of description, and therefore information studies similarly “has much to gain from the connection of micro‐ and macro‐level conceptions of reality” (Budd, , p. 577). These rather general arguments have some force, but each needs to be examined carefully.…”

“…Budd points out, correctly, that a problem with any such analysis is that there is disagreement as to exactly what information is. To deal with this, he restricts the idea of information to small linguistic units within texts, which carry meaning, and then “identifying analogues between quantum theory as it has been expressed and the phenomena of these small linguistic elements” (Budd, , p. 568). And he argues that information may be seen to have both an objective and a subjective element; and that exactly the same is true of physical situations according to quantum theory.…”

“…Having justified the approach in general terms, Budd fleshes it out somewhat, by seeking analogies between quantum physics and the concerns of information: “only a very few analogies will be presented here to illustrate some similarities between discoveries related to quantum mechanics and information” (Budd, , p. 570). The analysis is therefore qualitative, and reliant on a perceived similarity in micro‐physical and macro‐informational situations.…”