Abstract:

In the era of information society a precise description of data, information or knowledge is not easy. The problem of defining information is to be regarded in the categories of their characteristics. According to J. L. Kulikowski: ‘the term information has long ago transcended the strict yet narrow definitions – it has simply become a philosophical category, almost as general as the term matter or movement. Specialists in each field typically notice only some aspects in this term, hence the endless terminological disputes and diversity in interpretation of something that seems common and obvious’[1]. In the context of the research aim of this work it is important that information is characterised by a significant potential of influence, and in specific conditions a by a potential to create reality. This is refers to the power of information as: (1) as a source of knowledge about facts, events and processes, (2) a source of image evaluation which includes the prerequisites of such states as confidence and mistrust, (3) a source of assigning meaning to specific facts, connected with ascribing specific axiological or functional value to these facts, (4) the basis of shaping specific behaviours of information recipients, which includes the undertaking and ceasing of activities and changing the direction and method of conducting these activities. As will be demonstrated later the key condition for activating this creative potential of information is the occurrence of a communication event, or in other words, the occurrence of informational relationships.