Data is Metaphysical!

A modern-day journey into the nature of reality.

Recently, I was discussing the Professional Data Analyst course I’m taking with a small ranch owner I know (Hi Mom! ) and she asked me, “So, what is data?”.

I bumbled around, thinking that data is invisible, but digital, like numbers on a spreadsheet. Not a good demonstration of my knowledge. 🤔

The definition of “data” is actually very simple.

Data is a collection of facts or information.

Now I’m seeing collections everywhere and asking myself, “Where’s the data?”.

An old Rolodex captures information about people. The cards are physical things. The information on the cards makes up the data.

An old Rolodex captures information about people. The cards are physical things. The information on the cards makes up the data.

Box of receipts. The papers are tangible objects. The information on each paper are the facts about a sale. The box holds a collection of facts.