[Inquiry] Re: Extension x Comprehension = Information

[Jon Awbrey]

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ECI.  Note 28

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| Thus the process of information disturbs the relations
| of extension and comprehension for a moment and the class
| which results from the equivalence of two others has a greater
| intension than one and a greater extension than the other.  Hence,
| we may conveniently alter the formula for the relations of extension
| and comprehension;  thus, instead of saying that one is the reciprocal
| of the other or
|
|    comprehension x extension = constant
|
| we may say
|
|    comprehension x extension = information.
|
| We see then that all symbols besides their denotative and
| connotative objects have another;  their informative object.
| The denotative object is the total of possible things denoted.
| The connotative object is the total of symbols translated or implied.
| The informative object is the total of forms manifested and is measured
| by the amount of intension the term has, over and above what is necessary
| for limiting its extension.  For example the denotative object of 'man' is
| such collections of matter the word knows while it knows them i.e. while they
| are organized.  The connotative object of 'man' is the total form which the word
| expresses.  The informative object of 'man' is the total fact which it embodies;
| or the value of the conception which is its equivalent symbol.
|
| CSP, CE 1, page 276.
|
| Charles Sanders Peirce, "On the Logic of Science",
| Harvard University Lectures of 1865, pages 161-302 in:
|
|'Writings of Charles S. Peirce:  A Chronological Edition',
|'Volume 1, 1857-1866', Peirce Edition Project,
| Indiana University Press, Bloomington, IN, 1982.

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