Epistemological considerations on the incorporation of classical pragmatism in the information studies

Abstract

Introduction: The epistemological relationship contemplated by the pragmatism of Charles S. Peirce (1839-1914) must observer the incorporations of the original Peircean concept in the field of Information Science to avoid distortions in the use of the term. The concept of sign used in a generalized way, as well as pragmatism, in its later versions, Peirce's work generates a diversity of approaches that do not fit the understanding of the original conception. Peircean pragmatism with approaches that include pragmatic and semiotic methodology in knowledge organization processes should have their contribution reviewed in information Science.
Objective: The objective of this work is to point out the epistemological contributions of Peircean pragmatism to information science and, in particular, the organization of information and knowledge.
Methodology: The theoretical analysis, aiming at the interpretation of knowledge organization has, in bibliographic research, a basis for the relationship between Peircean pragmatic theory and its incorporation in information science.
Results: The indexing processes are possibilities of interpretation and not mental rules of dyadic association between signifier and signified, between documentary content and a term. The evolution of interpretants and the creative informational series, present in the acquisition of knowledge, are contained in the pragmatic method applicable to the organization of knowledge using its characteristic of scientific method.
Conclusions: The acceptance of pragmatic creative steps in the act of indexing implies conceiving this epistemological characteristic of creation that combines the content of the document with information retrieval.