Digitality has caused a radical transformation in the very concept of data structuring and access. In fact, rather than of a trans-formation, we should be speaking of a wholly new conceptual formation: the very concept of data is altogether different, and its impact is affecting deeply our stance vis-à-vis reality.
I singled out four aspects that will help us in defining this phenomenon:
- globality refers to the sense that there are no limits to the amount of material that can be controlled;
- categorization refers to the extreme minutia with which these data can be dissected;
- configuration refers to the way in which we confront specific wholes within the “metaverse”;
- shared access refers to the public nature of this metaverse.
On the basis of these considerations we will reflect on what the deeper epistemic impact of this new conceptual stance is having.
Throughout, we will use the UGR as a model, showing how the theoretical points being made rest of very concrete examples.
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