NOTES FOR A CRITICAL DISCOURSE THEORY OF INFORMATION

Abstract

Objective: the article presents initial notes for a critical discourse theory of information. Methods: Stems from the elaboration of Habermas, which considers Discourse a special form of Communicative Action to build intersubjective understanding. Discourse is the means that subjects use to resolve conflicts over something in the world, working to build theoretical and practical agreements. Discourse between subjects has the function of pragmatically validating expressions and representations of the lifeworld. Habermas notes that agreements reached by argumentation should correspond to the objective world. Results: based on these assumptions, a critical theory of information is outlined. Information is the construction of meaning and representation, but it is also an intersubjective agreement about something in the world. Conclusions: thus, there is no information outside, before or after communication. Information is part of communication, in interactions mediated by language.