Theories and Metaphors of Cyberspace- Abstracts

Mind and the Net as an Intersection of Information Space

By Joseph R. Shuster

  • email: joshu@cyberspace.com

    • Abstract:

    Information can exist outside the human brain. In the forms of codex systems, genetic symbols, and transitory energy networks, information is routinely stored and processed in ways that do not involve the human brain. From this it becomes apparent that not only are we are swimming in a sea of information but we are actually and quite literally made of information in the same way that we are made of matter and energy.

    This paper examines some of the ideas and issues of cyberspace in the context of information theory and information physics. Namely:

    STRUCTURE
  • How does the information in mind-space and cyberspace relate?
  • Can common reference frames be established in Information Space?
    DYNAMICS
  • What does information theory say about Prigogineās dissapative structure in regards to cyberspace?
  • Can information be used to maintain, regulate or increase structure within cyberspace?
    EVOLUTION
  • What are the information-theory ramifications of the emergent complexity (evolution) of the net with respect to individual minds?
  • What does the entropy flow of cyberspace imply for informational evolution?
    • In short, if information is as objectively "real" as matter and energy, then many of the foundations of science will need to be reassessed. By primarily restricting the paper to examining the concept of information in a context of information, the reader can grasp useful principles that are extendible to the physical sciences.

    A brief outline and review of basic principles of classical information theory is provided first to the reader as well as some of the more recent enhancements to this field. A description of how the various continua (matter, energy, information) may relate and how the parameters interact is covered.