Slow information: contemplating time and space from Newtonian to Leibnizian

摘要

We introduce a novel notion of flow of information, "slow information," which is defined as the flow causing structural changes to a spatio-temporal structure, the Tapestry of Space and Time, of persons or a society. This definition is based on the Leibnizian conception of Space and Time, which contrasts with the common conception: the Newtonian conception of Space and Time. In the latter conception, information flow does not affect the spatio-temporal structure of persons, while in the former conception the structure may be changed profoundly and slowly via the flow of information, slow information. Consequently this new aspect of information is applied to environmental design problems via Alexander's pattern language. In addition, we discuss its application to caring communication based on nursing theory and Naive psychology.