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Objective information in the empiricist view of von Weizsacker

Authors :
Khatam, Iman
Shafiee, Afshin
Source :
Foundations of Science. August, 2014, Vol. 19 Issue 3, p241, 15 p.
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

We analyze von Weizsacker's view regarding the concept of information in physics. In his view, information arises from the reduction of properties of a physical object to their logical descriptive propositions. The smallest element of a lattice of propositions is an atom of information which is considered as the essence of every physical identity including position space. von Weizsacker calls this element, 'ur'. Moreover, Biological evolution is described in terms of enhancement of the variety of forms. Form could be also reduced to descriptive logical propositions, thus to atoms of information. Therefore, information is the fundamental basis in von Weizsacker's plan for unifying all branches of Physics including Chemistry and Biology. Yet, there are inadequacies in his lines of reasoning, critically assessed in this paper. Keywords Pragmatic information * Weizacker empirisist view * 'ur' theory * Biological evolution * Quantum symmetry<br />1 Introduction Carl Friedrich von Weizsacker was a German philosopher and physicist whose main research activities were on nuclear fusion in the sun and other stars and on the creation [...]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
12331821
Volume :
19
Issue :
3
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Foundations of Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.380145959
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10699-013-9335-x