Question

Consider the following text by Katherine Hayles :
"Nicolas S. Tzannes pointed out that whereas Shannon and Weiner define information in terms of what it is, MacKay defines it in terms of what it does. The formulation emphasizes the reification that information undergoes in the Shannon-Wiener theory. Stripped of context, it becomes a mathematical quantity weightless as sunshine, moving in a rarefied realm of pure probability, not tied down to bodies or material instantiations. When information is made representational, as in MacKay's model, it is conceptualized as an action rather than a thing. Verb-like, it becomes a process that someone enacts, and thus it necessarily implied context and embodiment. The price it pays for embodiment is difficulty of quantification and loss of universality."
Based on the above text, which of the following statements is/are TRUE?

• A. Statement 1: According to Shannon-Wiener theory, information is embodied.
• B. Statement 2: When information is representational, it is about what it 'does'.
• C. Statement 3: When information is defined in terms of what it 'is', it becomes mathematical.
• D. Statement 4: According to Nicolas S. Tzannes, Mackay models information as verb-like.

Hint:

When a passage contrasts two opposing ideas, create a simple table or list to keep their attributes separate. This helps to avoid confusion when evaluating the options.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B, C, D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The passage contrasts two theories of information:
1. Shannon-Wiener Theory: Defines information by "what it is." It's treated as a context-free, disembodied, mathematical quantity. 2. MacKay's Model: Defines information by "what it does." It's treated as a representational, verb-like process that requires context and embodiment.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's evaluate each statement against the text:
Statement 1: The passage states that in the Shannon-Wiener theory, information is "not tied down to bodies or material instantiations." This means it is disembodied, not embodied. Therefore, Statement 1 is false.
Statement 2: The text says, "When information is made representational, as in MacKay's model, it is conceptualized as an action rather than a thing." It also links MacKay's model to defining information by "what it does." Therefore, Statement 2 is true.
Statement 3: The passage links the Shannon-Wiener definition ("what it is") directly to information becoming a "mathematical quantity." Therefore, Statement 3 is true.
Statement 4: The text explicitly says about MacKay's model that "Verb-like, it becomes a process that someone enacts." The passage starts by crediting Nicolas S. Tzannes for pointing out the distinction between the two models. Therefore, Statement 4 is true.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Statements 2, 3, and 4 are true based on the provided text.