Linda has hit the $100 computer on the head from both the
philosophical and the legal perspective (PhD/JD)
First, western law is based on precedent- case law- the past. It is
reactive even in its pro-active mode. It establishes the "game", the
rules or box in which we play and spends its time plugging "leaks" where
some party has been able to "work around" the rules of the game. It
removes the need for "trust" and thus becomes problematic in a world
where players from different games meet on the field. Hence the current
push for a model based on democratic neo-classical economics as the
"gold standard"
Few discuss the metaphysical underpinnings and how the Internet plays
here, especially where value systems are equal but not commensurable.
Second, we are currently engaged in a discussion about the "Digital
Divide" on this list. This is actually imbedded in a faith-based belief
system about the ability of science and technology to be a major
component in building a world of equality (however defined). Part of
this faith is again imbedded in a western scientific model that all
truths must be able to work together or else one is not a truth- That
holds for natural science and the constructs of mathematics by
definition. It does not hold for social systems which may have value
systems that are incommensurable. In other words, my life-style or world
view (as an individual or a country, for example) may not be able to be
merged with that of another.
The hope imbedded in the Digital Divide argument is that with the
Internet we can find a way to bring parties together in some cosmic
Noosphere of harmony because once we are all connected, we will find the
common ground.
Thus the issue raised in this thread, particularly by LDMF, calls the
question- one that Huxley raises in Brave New World and Stephen raises
in A Diamond Age, for example-- It runs counter to much of the sentiment
within the socially liberal communities and definitely is counter to the
"true" or Enlightenment Liberals-both of whom have faith that social
systems, like science can find a uniform and commensurable set of values
that brings the world into harmony- On earth that is and not in some
etheral life in a spiritual world.
thoughts?
tom abeles
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