9/20/2007

New Addition to Theses of Informationalism

In reading the American President Woodrow Wilson's 14 points, I found the first point to be quite profound. In my opinion, it should form the basis of how Informationalism treats diplomacy. The ultimate goal of Informationalism, of course, is the end of nationalistic governments. But the establishment of an Informationalist state would likely occur in an environment of nationalist governments like our modern governments. Thus, as Informationalists, one must have a method for dealing with such entities that is consistent with Informationalism.

This thesis is my attempt:
"Open covenants of peace, openly arrived at, after which there shall be no private international understandings of any kind but diplomacy shall proceed always frankly and in the public view."

-Woodrow Wilson; Point I

Peace should always be considered the starting point for Informationalists. Only if an entity seeks to harm or destroy an Informationalist or an Informationalist state does that entity put itself at war with the Informationalist or the Informationalist state. What should follow is the peaceful dissemination of Information to Noninformationalist entities in order to change its paradigm internally.

This harks back to my post on Technique Perfection and Initiative. The action of an Informationalist entity is perfecting the technique of spreading the free flow of Information. This comes from an initiative that must arise internally. Thus while the Informationalist state seeks to perfect the Informationalist method, an individual, society, or nation must ultimately choose for itself to do the same. This is called, self determination.

11 comments:

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

As far as I can gather, informationalism's aim is self determination, am I correct? Through one's free and unbridled right to choose will determine his course of action. This idea may be a little too advance for this age. I do not know. I may be able to better understand what informationalism is all about if you can refer me to any material that will thoroughly explain its principles. Thanks for the thought provoking post. Smile. Have a nice day. God bless.

Octavian said...

Self determination is part of Informationalism. One must ultimately choose to be an Informationalist, it cannot be forced.

But, the actual foundation of Informationalism is this. The free acquisition and distribution of Information is the only activity that best ensures the survival of the species. Therefore, society should adapt itself to promote a politics and culture that supports freedom of Information and promotes research and development.

I cannot show you any other links. Because I have invented it.

tin-tin said...

self determination.. you should be determined to share an info despite of the consequences

Octavian said...

Correct! Because knowledge in the end is the only way to best ensure our future and the future of our children.

Gracie said...

How can anybody argue with such sound logic? In a perfect world, this would be accepted as common sense that could have life altering consequences if practiced. Can you imagine?

Another great post, Octavian.

Larry said...

As they say knowledge is power so in order to obtain enough power to survive, one must possess greater knowledge.

Octavian said...

Exactly once again! However, even as we speak there are factions of people who honestly believe that the end of the world is at hand, or on the way. How is one to promote or explain Informationalism to such people?

Anonymous said...

A curious read which I found to be very informative. Though I agree on the majority of viewpoints expressed, I dissent on the "The free acquisition and distribution of information is the only activity that best ensures the survival of the species." Complete and total access to what? All information relating to every aspect of government; both federal and state, regarding the myriad of activities? Dunno... Perhaps not in the best interests of the majority. Open door access sounds good in theory (whatever that may be) is not conceivable, at least in my opinion. There are secrets, that are best left secrets. I come from a different background where full-disclosure via 'free acquisition and distribution' would have resulted in undesirable consequences. Just my take. Neither good nor bad, just one Raptor's insignificant opinion.

I love visiting this site and truly enjoy the hawking when here. Unfortunately, I don't always have the time to respond. Besides, I usually have a different perspective on most everything I come across anyway. LOL!

Catch you on the flip Octavian!

Mata ne...

Octavian said...

I've considered that very point often. Aren't there some things that should just be kept secret?

I agree that is the case in the society which we live in. But I think someone must be willing to take the first steps to bring about Informationalism. Informationalism thrives on RECIPROCITY. One person cannot just be an Informationalist. It is a team effort. I know how you feel, someone knowing a secret about you gives them power over you. It could get you into trouble, it makes you afraid.

But why is this so? It is because IT IS A SECRET. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.
If you live in a society where being open and forthcoming about all aspects of information is the norm, then what do you have to fear? It is only in a society that treats Information as a commodity to be leveraged or bought and sold that you find such distasteful situations that you have just pointed out.

That is why Information must be free for EVERYONE. It's not something that can happen overnight. It will be a long process that involves people realizing their importance in the struggle for survival and how that trumps our faults being "discovered". It will be a process of opening up to one another for the benefit of ourselves and all our fellow human beings. No easy task of course.

I posted a long time ago about the difference between INDIVIDUAL USE and SPECIES USEFUL INFORMATION.

The general idea was that some data, such as "What did you do last friday night?" Is generally only individual useful information. There is no reason for the government or society to place it in as high a priority as say acquiring data in regards to fusion power. Thus unless it concerns a scientific research project, what you do in your private life is wholly irrelevant.

Coffee Messiah said...

"Therefore, society should adapt itself to promote a politics and culture that supports freedom of Information and promotes research and development."

If only! ; )

Sorry, really nothing left for me to add!

Anonymous said...

Octavian, thanks for the reply to my comment. We are at an impasse, standing in the position of agreeing to disagree, oui?

Peace and chicken grease, and all that jazz! Thanks for popping in at the nest. How'd you like the sweet tea?

Mata ne...