5. Individual Freedom: Autonomy, Information, and Law: Difference between revisions

From Yochai Benkler - Wealth of Networks
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==Sources==
==Sources==
===[[Sources cited in the chapter]]===
===Sources cited in the chapter===
===[[Other relevant readings]]===
===Other relevant readings===
==Case Studies==
==Case Studies==
===[[Supporting examples]]===
===Supporting examples===
===[[Counter-examples]]===
===Counter-examples===
==Key Concepts==
==Key Concepts==

Revision as of 01:14, 1 April 2006

Summary of the chapter

Overview

The emergence of the networked information economy has the potential to increase individual autonomy in three ways.

First, it increases the range of things that individuals can do for and by themselves. Information networks can lift many of the material constraints and costs of the industrial information economy. Most of the tools necessary for effective action and communication are now widely available to people in networked environments.

Second, the networked information economy provides alternatives to the proprietary sources of information/communication typical in the industrial economy. The presence of these nonproprietary alternatives decreases the extent to which individuals are being acted upon by the owners of the communications facilities. The culture of passive televiewing subjected its participants to the manipulations of the communications and broadcasting companies. Although this culture lives on, it is losing its dominance in today's information environment.

Third, the internet increases the range and diversity of information available to individuals. It does so by enabling all sources-- both mainstream and fringe-- to produce information and communicate broadly. This diversity and accessibility of information radically changes the universe of options that individuals recognize as open for them to pursue. An increase in available options creates a richer basis to form critical judgments expanded opportunities for critical reflection.

Freedom to do More for Oneself, By Oneself, and With Others

Autonomy, Property, and Commons

Autonomy and the Information Environment

Autonomy, Mass Media, and Nonmarket Information Producers

Sources

Sources cited in the chapter

Other relevant readings

Case Studies

Supporting examples

Counter-examples

Key Concepts