Scientific comprehension of the nature of information

Information is characterized as the basic notion of informatics (information science). Different views of the nature of information are presented. An analysis of information definitions, including the Stanford definition, is given. On the basis of analyzing and generalizing the presented definitions the authors present their own definition of information. Information is studied as a sign using the concept of the semiotic triangle. The problem of the existence of information in animate and inanimate nature is considered and concrete examples of this view are given.