Being and information

considerations about the informational phenomenon in the light of platonic and aristotelian philosophy

Abstract

The article aims to offer some considerations on information based on the study of Being carried out by Plato and Aristotle. The text is structured into four sections: the first addresses the conception of Being by the pre-Socratic philosophers and Plato; the second examines the Aristotelian perspective, with emphasis on his categories; the third investigates the centrality of information in contemporary times and its relationship with Information Science; and the fourth reflects on the possible implications of thinking about information in light of Platonic and Aristotelian philosophies. Methodologically, the research is theoretical, exploratory, and bibliographic in nature. The conclusions indicate that reflection on Being provides conceptual tools to understand information as a structuring principle of reality, articulating its different dimensions. The Platonic perspective emphasizes the structuring function of information, while the Aristotelian highlights its concrete realization, underscoring the need for hierarchical, logical, and ethical criteria. It is hoped that the study will foster new discussions on the phenomenon, promoting the transposition of ideas originating from the History of Philosophy and revealing a new research horizon that articulates philosophical reflections on reality, cognition, and interpersonal relations with the contemporary challenges of managing and ethically using information.