Political Crossfire Forums

[Vulcidian]

What do you think about a philosophical perspective of information?

The Philosophy of Informationalism

What is informationalism you might ask?

Informationalism is a philosophy that is based on the assertion that the acquisition and freedom of information is important to the survival of humanity.

Throughout history there have been many factors that separate human beings into classes. Until recently these were mostly of the material sense. However, the modern world is drive mostly by the trading and acquisition of information. Informationalism maintains that the current goal of society should be to acquire as much information as possible, and to make it available to as many people as possible.



Why is this important?

This is answerable in both a social and an evolutionary way. Socially, distinctions between people these days are defined mostly by the amount of information that they possess. It is clear that a person who acquires a monopoly of information in a certain area, or overall, will unavoidably tyrannize other human beings. Those who possess information tend to see themselves as superior to those who do not have information. This is not always a correct assertion. Without the free flow of information a society can only maintain a certain size and prosperity. In order to move beyond this, information must be freely accessible to all members of the society. This will prevent its slide into despotism and eventual ruin.

Biologically it is simple. Variation is paramount to the success of a species. Introducing information into different human beings will generate different perspectives and ideas. Human beings with their different talents will use their information in different ways. We therefore maximize the potential for acquiring new information by allowing all available minds to analyze the information which we possess. This is important because, in order to survive, it is ultimately important to understand the phenomena which govern the world.

Skepticism

The acquisition and distribution of all information is very important. But an informationalist must always practice a degree of skepticism. One may possess information, but it may not be correct information. It may even for a time appear correct and later turn out to be false. The lesson to be learned from this is that it is not the information itself that is most important, but the drive to acquire it. As long as one is constantly seeking to better the information that one possesses, the more likely they are to make important contributions to themselves and to society.

Why pursue Information?

It is not imperative to pursue information. This is dependent upon one's goals. Informationalists fall in line with the evolutionary principle that the primary purpose to life in nature is survival and propagation of the species. Humans can chose not to find this important, and simply die. The choice to pursue information is just that, a choice.

Good and Evil

Informationalists do not believe in an eternal law of good and evil. Moral judgments are simply calculations made taking ones desire into account and determining how general events will affect the desired outcome. Informationalists desire the acquisition and propagation of information, and view desires to block this and evil desires. We are aware, however, that this justification is simply our own, and thus a degree of moderation will be practiced in dealing with those who do not agree. Informationalists do not seek to harm other human beings, because this will limit the amount of minds that can receive information. Forceful action can only be taken when one attempts to force the containment of information through violent means.

Religion

To be an informationalist means one must be open to all modes of information and maintain a degree of skepticism. The scientific method is regarded highly because of its success in acquiring information. Religion, while not demonized, is certainly not condoned. Many major religions regularly attempt to obstruct the free flow of information. Thus, compliance with such religious practices is not possible for an informationalist. Informationalists cannot subscribe to a religion in the sense that it believes it is the only true view of the world. An informationalist may partake in the religion in ways which further the acquisition of information.

Unskeptical certainty is not advised in any case. Especially in matters of god. Universal principles that do not interfere with Informationalism are acceptable, but a personal deity clearly crosses the boundary of skepticism and is not advised.

Goals

Informationalists seek to build a society that maximizes the acquisition and flow of information. It should be a peaceful, global society with equal access to modes of information. In the interest of humanity, it is important to make the society extra-global in order to further the acquisition of information.

[BaRRoW5588]

Information is extremely important. McDonalds needs to give out information on how fattening and dangerous their food is to society's health. And as for everyone having information, the internet. The majority of the U.S. has it, but the majority of the world does not. So the majority of the world is not as informed as we are, not fair at all.

[rhetoric]

I don't see a direct correlation of information=power=prosperity, isn't there a diff. between relative and unnecessary information? The basic instincts of a human help them more than hoarding information which just probably conflict with other information or believed truths, mass information leads to over analyzing and lag in action that may lead to negative effects. Power corrupts because it misleads the true intentions that you would have without it. Information corrupts because it misleads your basic insticts.

[Anarko-Kapitalizt]

Could you please explain to me what the f**k "humanity" actually is?

[Vulcidian]

rhetoric wrote: I don't see a direct correlation of information=power=prosperity, isn't there a diff. between relative and unnecessary information? The basic instincts of a human help them more than hoarding information which just probably conflict with other information or believed truths, mass information leads to over analyzing and lag in action that may lead to negative effects. Power corrupts because it misleads the true intentions that you would have without it. Information corrupts because it misleads your basic insticts.

"Knowledge is Power". I stand by this assertion.

In my opinion, all information is relevant. And it is true that information can be relative to circumstances. I would argue against the assertion that information are less helpful than basic instincts. It is because of information that we are what we are today.

You're assertion that mass information may make it difficult to make clear immediate assumptions, however, is a viable one.

I would say that when a decision has to be made quickly, that I agree with you that instincts are more helpful. But since these situations are rare, it would be unfair to say that all decisions should be made by instinct. Then our society becomes a hedonistic one. If you prefer hedonism, there is no problem with this.

As far as information corrupting your basic instincts, that is relative to your perception of corruption. If your instinct is to survive, I would assert that the more that you know about the world around you, the better off you are.

[Vulcidian]

Anarko-Kapitalizt wrote: Could you please explain to me what the f**k "humanity" actually is?

Humanity is simply the human race. Homo sapiens. Our species.