The evolutionary complexity of modem media systems represents an area of research that would benefit from further description and debate. In order to better understand the challenges and considerations associated with...The evolutionary complexity of modem media systems represents an area of research that would benefit from further description and debate. In order to better understand the challenges and considerations associated with the new, constantly changing media ecology, a more holistic worldview must be catapulted to the forefront of the collective discussion. To that effect, the following essay examines the open source software movement from the philosophical perspective of Tibetan Buddhism. Using the principles of interconnectedness, impermanence, and the illusory nature of self and reality, all fundamental elements of Buddhist philosophy, this discussion provides a renewed framework for exploring the ethical implications of open sourcing. A review of Buddhist teachings, coupled with literature from foundational media theorists such as Neil Postman and Marshall and Eric McLuhan, will set the stage for contemplating the ethics of the modem information ecology, epitomized by the collaborative spirit and community connections of open source software.展开更多
文摘The evolutionary complexity of modem media systems represents an area of research that would benefit from further description and debate. In order to better understand the challenges and considerations associated with the new, constantly changing media ecology, a more holistic worldview must be catapulted to the forefront of the collective discussion. To that effect, the following essay examines the open source software movement from the philosophical perspective of Tibetan Buddhism. Using the principles of interconnectedness, impermanence, and the illusory nature of self and reality, all fundamental elements of Buddhist philosophy, this discussion provides a renewed framework for exploring the ethical implications of open sourcing. A review of Buddhist teachings, coupled with literature from foundational media theorists such as Neil Postman and Marshall and Eric McLuhan, will set the stage for contemplating the ethics of the modem information ecology, epitomized by the collaborative spirit and community connections of open source software.
