We Never Left Aristotle: Information Theory Still Lives in His Shadow

Reflections on Lawrence W. Rosenfield’s “Aristotle and Information Theory” (1971)

Introduction

In Aristotle and Information Theory (1971), Lawrence W. Rosenfield presents a compelling argument that modern communication theory, particularly the Shannon model, is deeply rooted in Aristotelian causal frameworks. Despite the advancements in technology and shifts in philosophical paradigms, the foundational structures of our understanding of information remain influenced by ancient thought.

Aristotelian Causality in Modern Communication

Rosenfield draws parallels between Aristotle’s four causes and the components of the Shannon communication model:

• Efficient Cause: The source or sender of the message.
• Material Cause: The signal or data stream through which the message is transmitted.
• Formal Cause: The code or structure that organizes the message.
• Final Cause: The intended effect or outcome of the communication.

This alignment suggests that our modern theories of communication are not as detached from classical philosophy as often presumed.

The Persistence of Final Cause

A significant point Rosenfield makes is the enduring presence of the final cause in scientific explanations. Even in models that claim to be objective or neutral, there is an implicit goal or purpose. For instance, the Shannon model aims for efficient transmission with minimal entropy, indicating an underlying teleological aspect.

Scientific Explanation as Causally Structured Thought

Rosenfield emphasizes that scientific explanations inherently follow a causally structured grammar. We expect systems to have a beginning (efficient cause), a medium (material cause), a form (formal cause), and a goal (final cause). This structure reflects our deep-seated Aristotelian tendencies in organizing and interpreting information.

Ropolyi’s Aristotelian Philosophy of the Internet

Building upon these ideas, László Ropolyi proposes an ‘Aristotelian’ philosophy of the internet. He conceptualizes the internet through four interconnected contexts:

1. Technological System: The hardware and software infrastructure.
2. Communication Medium: The platform for information exchange.
3. Cultural Medium: The space for cultural expression and interaction.
4. Independent Organism: A self-sustaining entity influencing human existence.

Ropolyi argues that the internet represents a new mode of human existence, termed ‘web-life,’ which is built upon but distinct from natural and social spheres. This perspective underscores the relevance of Aristotelian causality in understanding complex, modern systems.

Conclusion: The Fifth Element – Reciprocity

While Rosenfield and Ropolyi provide robust frameworks for understanding information systems through Aristotelian lenses, there remains an element that bridges these causes: reciprocity. This fifth element emphasizes the mutual recognition and interaction between entities, transforming mere data exchange into meaningful understanding. Incorporating reciprocity completes the Aristotelian model, offering a more holistic approach to interpreting information in contemporary contexts.