Holding on to reality : the nature of information at the turn of the millennium / Albert Borgmann.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Borgmann, Albert.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Communication--Philosophy.

Communication.

Information theory.

Reality.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (286 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Chicago : University of Chicago Press, c1999.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Holding On to Reality is a brilliant history of information, from its inception in the natural world to its role in the transformation of culture to the current Internet mania and is attendant assets and liabilities. Drawing on the history of ideas, the details of information technology, and the boundaries of the human condition, Borgmann illuminates the relationship between things and signs, between reality and information. "[Borgmann] has offered a stunningly clear definition of information in Holding On to Reality. . . . He leaves room for little argument, unless one wants to pose the now vogue objection: I guess it depends on what you mean by nothing."-Paul Bennett, Wired "A superb anecdotal analysis of information for a hype-addled age."-New Scientist "This insightful and poetic reflection on the changing nature of information is a wonderful antidote to much of the current hype about the 'information revolution.' Borgmann reminds us that whatever the reality of our time, we need 'a balance of signs and things' in our lives."-Margaret Wertheim, LA Weekly

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

Introduction. Information vs. Reality

Part One. Natural Information. Information about Reality

Part Two. Cultural Information. Information for Reality

Part Three. Technological Information. Information as Reality

Conclusion: Information and Reality

Notes

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 235-263) and index.

ISBN:

9786611223168

9780226066226

0226066223

9781281223166

1281223166

OCLC:

261561295