INFORMATION in non-human natural systems
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1678 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Epistemology, ontology or semantics |
The use of the term and concept of “information” outside of human systems should be at least seriously questioned.
It is, for example, sometimes stated that the DNA “contains coded genetic information”. It is thus implied that the cells receive “messages” containing some “meanings” which influence their behavior, because they are able to “understand” these “meanings”.
All of this vocabulary really reflects a deep-seated anthropomorphism. We translate and “psychologize” cellular behavior, using quite an over-extended metaphor if we remember that “informatio” is some exchange between brains, or, at most, between a brain and a computer.
However, DNA effectively “rules”, at least, part of the cell behavior. Is thus information somehow equivalent with behavior control? And dare we concede a kind of volitive action to DNA over the cell? We may allow ourselves the right to use isomorphies, analogies, and even metaphors, but we should be careful and avoid semantic abuse.