Asking about data: Experimental philosophy of Information Technology

Abstract

This paper explores recent research done into the philosophy of data. The research utilized experimental philosophy ideas combined with Information Technology methodologies to assess participants philosophies of data. Reusing the concept of the data flow diagram, I suggest a methodology of experimental philosophy that allows participants to categorize flows into data, information, and knowledge. This allows me to explore their practical understanding instead of their theoretical understanding. My research has found three philosophies: data as bits, data as hard numbers, and data as recorded observations.

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