Language and Document: evolutionary and cultural foundations of Information Science

Abstract

Anthropological, evolutionary, cultural and social bases are proposed to Information Science, from a perspective which discusses the central role of language in the development of culture and in the shaping of human societies. The role of language as a social coordination and cooperation mechanism is discussed, one which has provided an evolutionary differential to mankind. This essential role of language is developed and amplified through the invention of the document in human societies evolving into more complex one's. Document is analyzed according to different perspectives and its possible relations to Information Science are discussed.