An outline of a theory of semantic information - DSpace@MIT
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MIT's foundational theory of semantic information asks not just how much data is transmitted, but whether it actually means anything — a distinction that reshapes how we think about communication itself.
Semantic Information TheoryShannon Information TheoryPhilosophy of LanguageEpistemology
Theory Briefing
- This MIT technical report outlines a formal theory distinguishing semantic information from mere signal transmission, targeting meaning over quantity.
- Classic Shannon information theory measures bits transferred but ignores content — semantic theory fills that critical blind spot.
- The framework has modern stakes: AI systems that process vast data may still fail at genuine semantic understanding, per this theory's logic.