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The New Enlightenment: The Fight To Free Knowledge

Junichiro Tanizaki

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The New Enlightenment is a movement that seeks to free knowledge from the constraints of copyright and other intellectual property laws. Proponents of the New Enlightenment argue that knowledge should be freely available to all, regardless of their ability to pay. They believe that this will lead to a more just and equitable society.

The History of the New Enlightenment

The New Enlightenment has its roots in the Enlightenment of the 18th century. During this time, philosophers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Locke argued that reason and science should be used to improve society. They believed that knowledge should be freely available to all, so that everyone could participate in the process of enlightenment.

The New Enlightenment and the Fight to Free Knowledge

by Peter B. Kaufman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2315 KB
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Print length	:	201 pages

In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution led to the development of new technologies that made it possible to mass-produce and distribute knowledge. This led to the growth of copyright laws, which were designed to protect the rights of authors and other creators.

In the 20th century, the rise of the Internet made it possible to share knowledge more easily than ever before. This led to a new wave of activism for free knowledge, which was led by people such as Richard Stallman and Lawrence Lessig.

The Principles of the New Enlightenment

The New Enlightenment is based on the following principles:

Knowledge should be freely available to all, regardless of their ability to pay.
Copyright and other intellectual property laws should be reformed to promote the free flow of knowledge.
Education should be focused on teaching critical thinking skills and fostering a love of learning.

The Benefits of the New Enlightenment

The New Enlightenment has the potential to bring about a number of benefits, including:

Increased access to knowledge for all people, regardless of their background or income.
A more just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow.
A more vibrant and innovative culture where new ideas can flourish.

The Challenges of the New Enlightenment

The New Enlightenment faces a number of challenges, including:

Resistance from copyright holders who fear that free knowledge will lead to a decline in their profits.
A lack of public awareness about the importance of free knowledge.
The need to develop new models for funding the creation and distribution of knowledge.

The Future of the New Enlightenment

The New Enlightenment is a long-term movement that is still in its early stages. However, there is a growing awareness of the importance of free knowledge, and the movement is gaining momentum. It is likely that the New Enlightenment will continue to grow in the years to come, and that it will eventually achieve its goal of freeing knowledge from the constraints of copyright and other intellectual property laws.

The New Enlightenment and the Fight to Free Knowledge

by Peter B. Kaufman

4.5 out of 5