
Epistemology & Cognition Lab
Prof. Nir Fresco
Functional Information
a Graded Taxonomy of Difference Makers
There are many different notions of information in logic, epistemology, psychology, biology and cognitive science, which are employed differently in each discipline, often with little overlap. Since our interest here is in biological processes and organisms, we develop a taxonomy of functional information that extends the standard cue/signal distinction (in animal communication theory). Three general, main claims are advanced here. (1) This new taxonomy can be useful in describing learning and communication. (2) It avoids some problems that the natural/non-natural information distinction faces. (3) Functional information is produced through exploration and stabilisation processes.
| Publication language | English |
| Pages | 547-567 |
| Journal | Review of Philosophy and Psychology |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 01.09.2020 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Philosophy