Robert M. Bichler

Theoretical Foundations of the Web: Cognition, Communication, and Co-Operation. Towards an Understanding of Web 1.0, 2.0, 3.0

Christian Fuchs *, Wolfgang Hofkirchner, Matthias S chafranek, Celina Raffl, Marisol Sandoval and Robert Bichler Unified Theory of Information Research Group, ICTS University of Salzburg, Sigmund Haffner Gasse 18, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; E-Mails: wolfgang.hofkirchner@sbg.ac.at (W.H.); matthias.schafranek@sbg.ac.at (M.S.); celina.raffl@sbg.ac.at (C.R.); marisol.sandoval@sbg.ac.at (M.S.); robert.bichler@uti.at (R.B.) * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: christian.fuchs@sbg.ac.at; Tel.: +43 662 8044 – 4823. Received: 13 November 2009; in revised form: 17 February 2010 / Accepted: 18 February 2010 / Published: 19 February 2010 Abstract: Currently, there is much talk of Web 2.0 and Social Software. A common understanding of these notions is not yet in existence. The question of what makes Social Software social has thus far also remained unacknowledged. In this paper we provide a theoretical understanding of these notions by outlining a model of the Web as a techno-social system that enhances human cognition towards communication and co-operation. According to this understanding, we identify three qualities of the Web, namely Web 1.0 as a Web of cognition, Web 2.0 as a Web of human communication, and Web 3.0 as a Web of co-operation. We use the terms Web 1.0, Web 2.0, Web 3.0 not in a technical sense, but for describing and characterizing the social dynamics and information processes that are part of the Internet. Keywords: World Wide Web; social theory; cognition; communication; co-operation; Social Software; Web 1.0; Web 2.0; Web 3.0

Toward a New Science of Information

The concept of information has become a crucial topic in several emerging scientific disciplines, as well as in organizations, in companies and in everyday life. Hence it is legitimate to speak of the so-called information society; but a scientific understanding of the Information Age has not had time to develop. Following this evolution we face the need of a new transdisciplinary understanding of information, encompassing many academic disciplines and new fields of interest. Therefore a Science of Information is required. The goal of this paper is to discuss the aims, the scope, and the tools of a Science of Information. Furthermore we describe the new Science of Information Institute (SOII), which will be established as an international and transdisciplinary organization that takes into consideration a larger perspective of information.

Cyberethics and Co-operation in the Information Society

The task of this paper is to ground the notion of cyberethics of co-operation. The evolution of modern society has resulted in a shift from industrial society towards informational capitalism. This transformation is a multidimensional shift that affects all aspects of society. Hence also the ethical system of society is penetrated by the emergence of the knowledge society and ethical guidelines for the information age are needed. Ethical issues and conflicts in the knowledge society are connected to topics of ecological and social sustainability. For information ethics and cyberethics, the sustainable design of society, social, and socio-technological systems is important. In this context the notions of sustainability and co-operation are discussed. Based on these categories, the approach of cyberethics of co-operation can be theoretically grounded.

THE URGENT NEED FOR CHANGE: RETHINKING KNOWLEDGE AND MANAGEMENT

This paper gives a critical assessment of definitions and approaches of Knowledge Management. It can be read as a contribution to theoretical foundations of Knowledge Management. Existing approaches are analyzed in respect to which extent they take into account individual (such as selffulfillment, self-determination, self-realization, skills-enhancement inclusion, satisfaction) and societal goals (sustainable development: ecological conservation, political participation, peace, social stability in the areas of health and education, self-determined life-styles, and the satisfaction of basic needs). An alternative understanding of Knowledge Management is grounded by taking into account the need for a balance of individual, organizational, and societal goals – the perspective of and the need for Sustainable Knowledge Management.

Editorial Comment: Why another journal on systems?

The first issue presents selected, peer-reviewed papers from the EMCSR 2012 ( 21st European Meeting on Cybernetics and Systems Research held in Vienna).