Subjectivity as a Concern for Information Science: A Popperian Perspective

Subjectivity is discussed in the context of information processing, and its properties are considered in relation to Popper’s three Worlds model of information. The uncertainties that subjectivity creates are seen as central to some problematic issues of information handling, including classification and retrieval. An appreciation of problems relating to subjectivity also has relevance in several subject areas of interest to information science, including understanding, relevance and significance, knowledge management, and creativity.