The Missing Vocabulary of the Digital Age: The Commons

Abstract

"As a theoretical matter, it’s easy to believe in 'paradigm shifts,' the concept of erratic intellectual progress made famous by historian of science Thomas Kuhn. It’s much harder to admit that our own consciousness may be imprisoned within the iron bars of invisible paradigms and that this captivity may limit our ability to see new realities and the Next Paradigm. Alas, this is precisely the problem plaguing so many wars over the control of creativity and knowledge in the digital age. New modes of communication email, the World Wide Web, collaborative software, WiFi Internet access, rip-and-burn CDs, and dozens of other digital technologies are radically transforming the central nervous system of our society. They are changing the nature of creativity, public dialogue and social interaction. Entirely new genres of expression and knowledge are being created."