|
|
Infotopia : How Many Minds Produce KnowledgeStock informationGeneral Fields
Special Fields
DescriptionThe rise of the "information society" offers not only considerable peril but also great promise. Beset from all sides by a never-ending barrage of media, how can we ensure that the most accurate information emerges and is heeded? In this book, Cass R. Sunstein develops a deeply optimistic understanding of the human potential to pool information, and to use that knowledge to improve our lives. In an age of information overload, it is easy to fall back on our own prejudices and insulate ourselves with comforting opinions that reaffirm our core beliefs. Crowds quickly become mobs. The justification for the Iraq war, the collapse of Enron, the explosion of the space shuttle Columbia-all of these resulted from decisions made by leaders and groups trapped in "information cocoons," shielded from information at odds with their preconceptions. How can leaders and ordinary people challenge insular decision making and gain access to the sum of human knowledge? Reviews"Sunstein, one of the biggest of America's internet big thinkers, has written an intriguing new book in which he argues that Hayek's insights about the genius of markets are equally true of the internet. Sunstein argues, for example, that sharing scientific information online would cure some of the worst problems of the US patent system and foster innovation much more efficiently than costly patent litigation. Sunstein recognizes all the potential flaws of such collaborative projects. Groupthink can be dangerous. But, says Sunstein, the wisdom of the many is a great thing, and sharing knowledge online can lead to remarkable advances for companies, for governments and for the rest of us."--Patti Waldmeir, Financial Times Author description? Table of contentsPREFACE TO THE PAPERBACK EDITION;; PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS;; INTRODUCTION: DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES;; CHAPTER 1: THE (OCCASIONAL) POWER OF NUMBERS;; CHAPTER 2: THE SURPRISING FAILURES OF DELIBERATING GROUPS;; CHAPTER 3: FOUR BIG PROBLEMS;; CHAPTER 4: MONEY, PRICES, AND PREDICTION MARKETS;; CHAPTER 5: MANY WORKING MINDS: WIKIS, OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE, AND BLOGS;; CHAPTER 6: IMPLICATIONS AND REFORMS;; CONCLUSION: REALIZING PROMISES;; APPENDIX: PREDICTION MARKETS |