The Genealogy of the Informational Person: Uncovering the Roots of Our Knowledge Society

In the contemporary digital age, we are constantly bombarded with information from a myriad of sources. We have access to vast libraries of books, articles, and videos at our fingertips, and we can communicate with people from all over the world with just a few clicks. This abundance of information has given rise to a new type of person: the informational person.

The informational person is someone who is able to navigate and make sense of the vast sea of information that is available to us. They are able to find the information they need, evaluate its credibility, and use it to make informed decisions. Informational people are essential for a healthy and functioning knowledge society.

The genealogy of the informational person can be traced back to ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks were the first to develop a concept of information literacy, which they called "γραμματισμός" (grammatismos). Grammatismos was the ability to read and write, and it was considered to be an essential skill for all citizens. The Greeks believed that a literate person was able to participate fully in civic life and make informed decisions about the issues of the day.

How We Became Our Data: A Genealogy of the Informational Person

by Sarah Woodbury

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4406 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	279 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The concept of information literacy was further developed by the Romans, who coined the term "literatus" to describe someone who was well-read and knowledgeable. The Roman philosopher Cicero believed that literacy was essential for a well-rounded education, and he encouraged his students to read widely and critically.

During the Middle Ages, the concept of information literacy was largely confined to the elite. Only a small number of people had access to books and other written materials. However, the invention of the printing press in the 15th century made it possible for more people to gain access to information. This led to a renewed interest in information literacy, and the term "literacy" began to be used to describe the ability to read and write as well as the ability to find and use information.

The concept of information literacy continued to develop during the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. The Renaissance humanists believed that everyone should have access to education, and they promoted the study of the classics as a way to develop critical thinking skills. The Enlightenment philosophers emphasized the importance of reason and logic, and they believed that everyone should be able to make informed decisions about their lives.

In the 19th century, the concept of information literacy was further expanded to include the ability to use new technologies to find and use information. The invention of the telegraph, the telephone, and the radio made it possible for people to communicate and share information more easily. The development of libraries and museums also made it possible for people to access a wider range of information.

The 20th century saw the continued development of the concept of information literacy. The invention of the computer and the Internet made it possible for people to access vast amounts of information with just a few clicks. This led to a renewed interest in information literacy, and educators began to develop new ways to teach students how to find, evaluate, and use information.

Today, the concept of information literacy is more important than ever before. In the digital age, we are constantly bombarded with information from a myriad of sources. We need to be able to find the information we need, evaluate its credibility, and use it to make informed decisions. Informational people are essential for a healthy and functioning knowledge society.

Informational people are characterized by a number of traits, including:

• A love of learning: Informational people are always eager to learn new things. They enjoy reading, watching documentaries, and exploring new websites.
• A critical mind: Informational people are able to think critically about information. They are not easily swayed by opinions or propaganda. They are able to evaluate information and make their own judgments about its accuracy and reliability.
• A thirst for knowledge: Informational people are always looking for new information. They are not satisfied with what they already know. They are always seeking out new knowledge and experiences.
• A strong sense of curiosity: Informational people are always asking questions. They want to know how things work and why things happen. They are not afraid to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo.
• A commitment to lifelong learning: Informational people believe that learning is a lifelong process. They are always looking for new ways to improve their knowledge and skills.

Information literacy is essential for a number of reasons. First, it allows us to make informed decisions. In the digital age, we are constantly bombarded with information from a myriad of sources. We need to be able to evaluate the credibility of this information and make decisions about what to believe. Information literacy helps us to do this by teaching us how to find, evaluate, and use information.

Second, information literacy allows us to participate fully in civic life. In a democracy, citizens need to be able to make informed decisions about the issues of the day. This requires access to information and the ability to evaluate its credibility. Information literacy helps us to do this by teaching us how to find, evaluate, and use information.

Third, information literacy allows us to succeed in the workplace. In the 21st-century economy, workers need to be able to find, evaluate, and use information. This is essential for success in any field. Information literacy helps workers to do this by teaching them how to find, evaluate, and use information.

The informational person is a product of centuries of development. The concept of information literacy can be traced back to ancient Greece, and it has been expanded and refined over the centuries to meet the needs of a changing world. Today, information literacy is more important than ever before. In the digital age, we are constantly bombarded with information from a myriad of sources. We need to be able to find the information we need, evaluate its credibility, and use it to make informed decisions. Informational people are essential for a healthy and functioning knowledge society.

How We Became Our Data: A Genealogy of the Informational Person

by Sarah Woodbury

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4406 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	279 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE