Towards a Social , Ethical Theory of Information

We seek to take some initial steps towards a theory of information that is adequate for understanding and designing systems that process information, i.e., information systems in a broad sense. Formal representations of information are needed in designing, using and maintaining such systems, especially when they are computer based. However, it is also necessary to take account of social context, including how information is produced and used, not merely how it is represented; that is, we need a social theory of information. Ideas from ethnomethodology and semiotics, as well as logic and the sociology of science, are used to explore the nature of information. Ethnomethodology also provides guidelines for collecting high quality information on which to base design, especially in situations where interaction is important. In addition , some case studies and some ideas on how to combine methods are presented. We argue that, as a result of its social situatedness, information has an intrinsic ethical dimension, and that this may have some wider implications.