PREFACE

Logeion is a biannual publication of the research group Philosophy and information policy of IBICT. We have been working for five years to offer researchers, teachers and students of information science and philosophy, in addition to border areas, a public space to talk about the philosophy of information.

 However, this issue of the journal cannot be published without recognizing that we are living in an absolutely different time. The World Health Organization has declared a global health alert due to a coronavirus flu pandemic. It is an epidemic that, until now, has a high level of contagion and low lethality.

This pandemic has caused hundreds of thousands of patients and tens thousands of deaths. We have no specific vaccine or treatment. Governments one by one are applying control measures that include quarantine, social isolation, compulsory internment, closing borders, banning public transportation, school holidays, stopped machines.

 Another relevant event in this coronavirus flu pandemic that is pertinent to be mentioned is what can be called an information epidemic. There is an ubiquity of the disease in the mass media and social networks. It is almost impossible not to be bombarded by facts, analyzes, opinions and ironies.

 One of the things this pandemic is teaching us is that the problem with information is no only fraudulent news. There are conflicts in the conclusions of scientific research, in the technical standards of health authorities and in the statements of governments. Different information is the cause, record and consequence of these conflicts.

 Information scientists and philosophers must critically investigate these events to understand and develop theories and methods for validating information. It is known that it is not enough to evoke the argument of authority and that there may be discursive agreements without correspondence with the world of life.

The pandemic of influenza by coronavirus opened the limits of neoliberal theses of the minimal state. Only the orchestrated action of governments, at all levels, can face this epidemic effectively. Effective action requires universal access health systems and resolution methods and means. This demands scientific and technological research.

It is worth mentioning that the basic health network of the Unified Health System - SUS in Brazil could  be the front line against the flu due to coronavirus. However, this network was damaged by the government's own actions. First, by the end of the More Doctors program in 2019, which guaranteed the presence of doctors in small municipalities and in urban peripheries.

 Second, with the cuts in resources for the Unified Health System by a government that spends 1 trillion reais a year on interest and amortization of the public debt (38% of the Union budget). A constitutional amendment created a health spending ceiling that the pandemic is exposing as absurd.

The coronavirus flu pandemic is showing the relevance of science and technology. This goes against actions by the Brazilian government to reduce investment in research, with cuts in grants and scholarships. Whoever wants to have an effective and sustainable health system needs quality research and education.

 Thus, the publication of this issue of the journal should not be confused with an apology for a normal situation. We are publishing because we are committed to authors and readers, but we have our eyes wide open to reality. And we want our partners to also be clear in these difficult times.

 Finally, we would like to suggest to our readers that, in this time of social isolation, also search the previous issues of our journal. You will find precious pearls and articles that bring extremely original contributions, some of which are not yet properly explored.

Good reading!

Rio de Janeiro, March 22, 2020

Clóvis Ricardo Montenegro de Lima

Editor