What is Information? Understanding the Basics and Importance

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Information is fundamentally defined as the propagation of cause and effect within a system, with its meaning varying across different scientific and societal contexts. The discussion highlights the importance of establishing a clear context to avoid misunderstandings, as evidenced by the contentious exchanges observed. The concept of natural information representation as an alternative to binary systems is introduced, alongside a reference to the Holographic Principle, which posits that most information in the universe is contained within black holes. Additionally, the idea that bits are indestructible and that information is eternal is emphasized, with black holes serving as a unique mechanism for potential information loss. The conversation concludes by noting the necessity of grounding discussions in mainstream science.
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I'm not sure if this is the right forum, but I saw an article today about how some people managed to stop light and using it to store information. After I read this i realized for as much as we hear about information being sent places, what is it? What actually is information?
 
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Surely the definition of information depends upon which sphere of science, engineering or society one is currently engaged in. The numerous arguments (and I do mean arguments as hostile exchanges, not as a synonym for debate) I have observed have arisen because the context for discussion of information had not been defined at the outset.
 
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I don't have much to add, but the idea of the 'nat' interests me - a natural information representation as an alternative to binary. What does having a transcendental-based number system even mean?

"The base e is the most economical choice of radix β > 1 (Hayes 2001), where the radix economy is measured as the product of the radix and the length of the string of symbols needed to express a given range of values."
 
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I just happen to have an interesting and apropos quote from my notes on Leonardo Susskind's Holographic Principle lecture. Almost all information in the universe exists in black holes.

His argument might be, bits are indestructible and information is forever (his First Principle of Physics). The only mechanism for 'loss' (scare-quotes) is getting stuck in a black hole.
 
Doug Huffman said:
I just happen to have an interesting and apropos quote from my notes on Leonardo Susskind's Holographic Principle lecture. Almost all information in the universe exists in black holes.

His argument might be, bits are indestructible and information is forever (his First Principle of Physics). The only mechanism for 'loss' (scare-quotes) is getting stuck in a black hole.

<scifi>
Reminds me of an idea for far-future lifeforms I read on the internet once - namely, and uploading of all human consciousness into some small space structure, and having that space structure orbit closely to a black hole, thereby (through some mechanism I'm not familiar with), be able to view light from the universe in ridiculous clarity and resolution.
</scifi>

Is it also the case that almost all energy exists in black holes?
 
This might be good time to remind everyone of the Physics Forums rule about discussions being backed by mainstream science.

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