GlosariumBITRI: Interdisciplinary elucidation of concepts, metaphors, theories and problems concerning INFORMATION

Abstract

Four years after appearing the first book edition of the glossariumBITri (gB), it faces now a new phase of development, in which this new book version represents a milestone. The first development phase, 2008-2010, was clearly marked by an intensive cooperative work to stand up the clarification enterprise in which the gB is embarked on. Right after such phase, the gB was nurtured through valuable inputs covering essential aspects as semiotics, computation, complexity, etc., by distinguished researchers who have certainly enriched not only this book but the working team who is now before a more ambitious horizon. Besides some improvements in previous articles, the most important additions to the previous edition, incorporated herewith, corresponds to the articles developed in the areas of algorithmic theory, complexity theory, General Theory of Information and Cybersemiotics that we heartily thank to the cherished contributions of Mark Burgin and Søren Brier. Nevertheless, the flesh of the glossariumBITri has been enriched as well through entries, which do not show up in this book since they are still under review or discussion, but they surely will in the next edition. They are, of course, available in the interactive-gB. For this dressing up the naked bones of the gB, we warmly thank the contributions provided by Balu Athreya, Igor Gurevich, Basil Al-Hadithi, Agustín Jiménez, Alexis Rocha, Daniel Gómez, Carlos Sarmiento. The incorporation of some of the topics which are now available, either in this book or in the interactive-gB was simply a must (as algorithmic information), others represent an initiation into fields we have to deepen (as information in biological sciences). But nonetheless, if we take into account all the concepts we have not weaved yet into the network of clarified concepts, metaphors, theories and problems, then we can clearly state that we are at the very beginning. By simply looking into the interactive-gB’s list of open voices, which are still empty, or into the number of voice proposals we have not open yet, it is easy to conclude we are before a large and of course open enterprise. One could argue the situation is not as different as before; then why are we saying we are now facing a different horizon? This is entangled with the current rearrangement of BITrum’s activities. On the one hand, we have more coherently organised the different endeavours we have been pushing along the years in order to bring about a more effective cooperation among BITrum’s members and other stakeholders; on the other hand, gB has been structured in three branches: a) interactive-gB, b) gB-journal, and c) book editions. Through a rationalisation of efforts, this new gB landscape obviously offers a multiplied effect regarding impact, dissemination and educational applications. To cope with the new challenges gB team has been enlarged and put besides other three BITrum’s operating units: (i) domusBITae devoted to the deployment of telematic tools for the facilitation of the distributed and interdisciplinary community of researchers and educators cooperating in the development of information studies. (ii) PRIMER, oriented to the promotion, development and underpinning of interdisciplinary studies; and (iii) a Research Unit, integrated by the teams working on specific scientific projects. Through this reorganisation, gB offers a more coherent platform for the clarification and theoretical enterprise BITrum has been aiming at since its beginnings, linking its development to BITrum’s information environment (dB), educational activities (PRIMER) and research projects. Such interplay – albeit the autonomy of the respective operations – represents a nurturing flow that will provide a new life to the clarification goals of the gB in connection to real problems and the education of scientist to tackle them. The activities deployed since 2014 under support of Ecuadorian institutions, in both research and education, constitute a powerful balloon to lift up our scientific enterprise. This book in it self represents a sign of it. It is a result of the cooperation agreement signed in 2014 between the University of the Peninsula of Santa Elena (UPSE) and BITrum, which targets at several collaborative activities concerning: the development and co-management – together with the University of León – of the glossariumBITri open journal; the development of educational programs; the cooperation in interdisciplinary research projects. Furthermore, the Ecuadorian National Secretary of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (SENESCYT) is supporting in the field of interdisciplinary information studies – through the Prometeo Programme–: the development of theoretical work and practical applications, the training of researchers, the development of scientific networks, etc. On one side, BITrum warmly thanks this support to the interdisciplinary study of information provided by the UPSE and SENESCYT; on the other side, we offer our deep commitment to contribute to the great scientific and educational effort Ecuador is doing since the constitution of 2008. We are convinced that the transdisciplinary capabilities of the information studies offers a toehold for the intense integration of knowledge we nowadays need for coping with the complex challenges our societies that are facing regarding the coverage of basic needs, environment, peace, inequality, urban management, climate change, democratic issues, waste reduction… We can use the language of information to refer to the physical, biological, societal, technological reality, to address theoretical and practical issues. Then we have a fantastical tool for weaving the scientific enterprise in a more integrated fashion.