On the concepts of data, information and knowledge in a changing society. Epistemological implications.

Abstract

The essay explores the coexistence of the “knowledge society”, “information society” and “data society” trends, emphasizing that each one highlights different dimensions of current social reality. Along these lines, the distinction between data, information and knowledge is analyzed, highlighting that although these terms are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings and that the way of conceiving their interrelation implies different epistemological positions. Focusing on the data society scenario, the implications that algorithms and big data have for understanding reality and for the generation of knowledge are also discussed. This represents a challenge for the humanities and social sciences, and forces us to reconsider some questions suggested by the sociology of quantification.