This is based on my generalization of the Shannon definition of information, as:
information is a reduction in uncertainty = choosing; Dear Stan: this is confusing because in Shannon's definition information is uncertainty. Bateson: information is a difference that makes a difference (to an interpreting system) Yes, that is Bateson's definition? Thermodynamic: information is any constraint on entropy production It seems to me that the constraints on entropy production are provided by the substance(s) of the communication in the system of reference. As you noted in a previous email, the substances are the information carriers. I mean with substance: "what" is communicated by "who"? For example, the circulation of money can be accelerated using credit cards. The coins or cards are not the information. They have a maximum capacity of transmitting information; their distribution has a maximum information content. I don't see any difference in this respect between probabilistic and thermodynamic entropy. The difference is only a constant (the Boltzmann constant). Thermodynamic entropy is the special case that particles communicate momenta and energy. The two entities have to be conserved. In other exchange processes the communicated substances may allow for dissipation. I don't follow the need to write this all in hierarchies. What is the gain? Best wishes, Loet
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