Information is not Knowledge

Abstract

The article of the Swiss philosopher, cultural theorist and public figure Denis the Rougemont (1906-1985) who wrote in French, is devoted to the relevant problems of the society computerization and the transformation of the essence of knowledge under the influence of advanced information technologies. First published in 1981 the article remains topical still now. The ideas of Denis de Rougemont are especially important nowadays when the distant mode of education and work are gradually introduced in our everyday life. The author does not limit himself to just naming the risks related to the results of uncontrolled latest information technologies introduction into the usual human activity processes, but denotes each of them specifically while suggesting the way to minimize likely damage. Besides the author studies the nature of genuine knowledge and difference from the informational ersatz offered by our digital epoch. Analyzing the basic concepts the author logically proves that such human faculties as memory and intellect can’t be attributed to computer, though they’ve already entered our speech as customary in relation to it. This is the first publication of Denis Rougemont’s article in Russian.