Informativeness Principle

Overview

The Informativeness Principle, often associated with Grice’s conversational implicatures, posits that speakers should aim to provide information that is new and relevant to their listeners. It’s about making a contribution that is informative, moving the conversation forward effectively.

Key Concepts

Central to this principle are:

• Novelty: The information should not be something the listener already knows.
• Relevance: The information must be pertinent to the ongoing discourse.
• Maxim of Quantity: While related, the Informativeness Principle focuses on the *quality* of newness, not just the quantity of information provided.

Deep Dive

Grice’s Maxims of Conversation, including Quantity, Quality, Relation, and Manner, collectively guide cooperative communication. The Informativeness Principle is a nuanced interpretation of the Maxim of Quantity, emphasizing the value of new insights rather than simply the amount of data.

Consider an exchange:

A: “The sky is blue.”
B: “Yes, and water is wet.”

B’s response, while true, violates the Informativeness Principle because it’s common knowledge and lacks novelty.

Applications

This principle is vital in:

• Education: Teachers strive to introduce new concepts.
• Journalism: News reports focus on providing fresh information.
• Everyday Conversations: We expect contributions that add to our understanding.

Challenges & Misconceptions

A common misconception is that it means *always* providing the maximum amount of information. However, the principle is about optimal informativeness, balancing novelty with relevance and avoiding overwhelming the listener.

FAQs

What if the information is already known?

If a speaker provides information the listener already possesses, it can be perceived as redundant or even patronizing, potentially violating the principle.

How does it differ from the Maxim of Quantity?

The Maxim of Quantity asks for ‘as informative as is required; not more informative than is required.’ The Informativeness Principle hones in on the importance of newness within that.