Information in Formation: A Peircean Approach

Abstract

Two conceptions of information weave their way through Peirce’s writings. The first one emerges in 1865 in the famous formula “comprehension x extension = information,” and tightly connects information with the newborn interpretant. The second conception emanates from Peirce’s late definition of a sign as a medium that “communicates forms,” which entails a more dynamic and processual conception of information. After discussing the potential relevance of Peirce’s contribution to information theory, I show how Peirce’s early recalculation of the two logical quantities of breadth and depth led him to define the third quantity as information. The meta-role of the interpretant is then clarified to explain what makes that third quantity special. Mihai Nadin’s conception of anticipation is then introduced and a case is made for its pertinence in understanding the telic nature of information. Once this is accomplished, I turn to Peirce’s later writings and discuss his conception of “genuine information,” before proposing an analysis of the three types of “influence” or determination that constitute information.