Models, Metaphor and Meaning: How Data Models use Metaphor to Convey Meaning

If you are a beginner or seasoned professional in Information Technology this book explains the syntax and semantics of data model design.
Models, Metaphor and Meaning looks at data modeling for information systems from the perspective of information theory, linguistics and semiotics in order to explain how models convey meaning. The book starts with a critique of William Kent’s classic Data and Reality and builds on contemporary themes in psycho-linguistics regarding metaphor as a key to our conceptual thinking.
The book reviews Shannon’s Information Theory and analyzes the differences between data, information and meaning and explains how data models form the grammar of information systems.
It concludes with a survey of theories of meaning from philosophy and shows how they can help in our search for meaning in models. The book proposes a mystical side of data modeling by referencing Wittgenstein’s Picture Theory of Meaning as developed in his Tractatus.
Several excerpts from this book appear on the Business Rules Community at brcommunity.com.

Joe Danielewicz worked in Information Technology at Motorola and General Motors in data architecture, enterprise architecture and systems development. Mr. Danielewicz has been a speaker at DAMA, Data Modeling Zone and Enterprise Architecture conferences. Joe Danielewicz lives in Tempe, Arizona and is a member of Phoenix DAMA.