Digitalization in the system of methods of scientific knowledge

Abstract

The study aims to clarify the methodological status of digitalization in the framework of the philosophical theory of knowledge. The subject of the study: explication of the instrumental and methodological nature of digitalization. The problem is solved by employing the categorical and conceptual apparatus of philosophy of science, particularly in paradigm analysis. A comparative analysis of the concepts of “information” and “digitalization” is carried out. Information within the framework of classical scientific rationality coincides with the phenomenon of absolute-relative knowledge. In non-classical rationality, it represents a movement of meaning and expresses the value-valued nature of information technology. In postnonclassical science, the phenomenon of information is associated with intrasystemic communications. Digitalization as a mode of data transmission is incorporated into the deductive and inductive logic of classical science and leads to an essential limitation of the source base. In modern science, data selection entails the creation of systematic factual meaning, and digitalization coincides with analytical activity. In addition to general logical functions, digitalization points to new perspectives on such types of systems methodology as modeling and design. In relation to the information as a methodology, digitalization acts as a meta-methodology. That is, the digital world is defined as an observing reality. In the framework of digitalization, information is identical to knowledge in its postnonclassical meaning. In digitalization, the process of cognition is incorporated into reality itself, forming an intersubjective field of meaning. In this context, digitalization serves as an inter-paradigmatic method of scientific knowledge. Digitalization refers to the rational side of cognition and is a type of systematic methodology and general logical methods.