Key Digital Technologies to Deal with Data

Abstract

It is commonly accepted that data is not the same as information, let alone knowledge. For instance, the numbering and photographing of the fins of thousands of dolphins would certainly be data, but doubtfully information of knowledge; a city's large phone directory is undoubtedly information, but hardly knowledge - and certainly not permanent or reliable knowledge. These distinctions preoccupy philosophers but few ordinary folk. Yet in science all these forms are of crucial importance.