Records Management Theory's Dilemma: What is a Record?

In this paper, I wish to explore Euthyphro's definitional responses to Socrates query as a metric for exploring the problematic nature of defining a record. Within each response, I will examine parallels problems faced by records manager theorists in positing a definition. This is purely an intellectual exercise, but one that ultimately wishes to contribute to the development of a records management theory. In the words of Michael Buckland, "One does not get very far trying to define and describe things in their own terms. It is comparison that is the most basic intellectual activity. Comparing the nature of records management with other things is a necessary condition for progress in developing a view - a theory - of records management."