Information and intelligence an interdisciplinary reflection
- Intelligence,
- Intelligence Sources,
- Intelligence Studies,
- Knowledge
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Abstract
Information is the raw material which we use to build intelligence. Consequently, the identification, definition and classification of sources that provide true and pertinent information is one of the main issues of the process of intelligence production, no matter which shape it takes later. However, the unequal and not-enough theorical development of intelligence studies has meant tan important obstacle for the clarification of these essential aspects around the concept of information, having faced by the time just in little exceptions in an empirical or partial way by different structures.
In general terms, the aim of this paper will be an approximation of issues that haven’t had enough studies around the definition and classification of the information and its sources, in order to deepen in the study and comprehension of the information ant its nature, making the intelligence studies closer to the scientific knowledge and building up the theorical consolidation of this field of study
In order to achieve that, firstly we will show how the natural classifications, characterized by its logical coherence, have replaced other arguments to make partial and subjective classifications and then see how has the evolution of the classification of the concept of ‘sources of information’ been in different areas of the Social Sciences. Later, we will present the weaknesses of the traditional classification of sources of information based on diverse and superficial canons. Being this a problem of a theorical nature –apparently-, it keeps implications directly linked with the production of intelligence in its most practical way. Consequently, it will be necessary to identify which are some of the main consequences derivate from a mistaken classification.
Last but not least, we will address the complex –and often ignored- debate on the nature of information and its role in the processes of generation of knowledge in general and intelligence in particular.