Berlin 2012 – scientific programme

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AGPhil: Arbeitsgruppe Philosophie der Physik

AGPhil 7: Philosophy of Science

AGPhil 7.1: Talk

Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 17:15–17:45, H 2033

On the Value of Information — •Hans Juergen Pirner — Marsilius Kolleg und Institut fuer Theoretische Physik, Heidelberg

We investigate the role of information with respect to two different kinds of indefinite ("unbestimmte") objects. The elements of the first group appear as random or uncertain reflecting our lack of knowledge. The elements of the second group are vague, unclear or undefined showing our inability drawing boundaries. In order to reduce the uncertainties of the first group we need more information. I will discuss how Shannon's theory quantifies information and how this approach can be used to relate elements via mutual information and infer the probability of outcomes in uncertain circumstances. Building on the paradigm of a structured system and an unknown environment I will introduce a value of information which describes the increase of complexity of the system and the reduction of indefiniteness of the environment.