About Me edit
I’m a professor at a public research university in the United States. My teaching and research focus on the areas of socioeconomic theories, social and political philosophy, epistemology, metaethics and normative ethics, and the history of ideas.
My goal in my Wikipedia editing is the same as my goal in my teaching: to present mainstream views as clearly as possible, in proportion to their weight in the published work of subject-matter experts, without biasing that presentation via my own editorialization or the presentation of my own views (even if I’m so much more correct than the relevant experts). My students deserve a high-quality survey of topics as those topics are actually discussed by experts rather than as I wish those topics were discussed by experts. Wikipedia readers deserve the same thing.
Wikipedia As an Example of Successful Anarcho-Communism edit
Wikipedia, the collaborative online encyclopedia “that anyone can edit,” has emerged as an invaluable resource for millions of people worldwide since its inception in 2001. In many ways, it operates as a self-governing, consensual, free-association anarcho-communist community and project, built on the contributions of unpaid labor for the collective good. This unique model has enabled Wikipedia to thrive in a digital landscape dominated by profit-driven corporations and foster a sense of global community among its contributors.
Wikipedia’s structure and ethos resemble, and generally implement, the principles of anarchism, communism, and anarcho-communism as proposed by key thinkers in these traditions, despite, or perhaps in direct conflict with, its founder’s declared libertarianism. To understand how Wikipedia aligns with these ideologies, it’s essential to delve into the theories and ideas of influential figures such as Mikhail Bakunin, Peter Kropotkin, and Karl Marx.
Anarchism, as a political philosophy, advocates for a society organized without hierarchical authority, where individuals and groups self-govern and cooperate voluntarily. Bakunin, a prominent anarchist theorist, proposed that society should be organized through a federation of self-governing collectives, with decisions made through consensus. Wikipedia embodies this principle through its decentralized authority and consensus decision-making. The platform relies on a vast network of volunteers, or Wikipedians, who collaboratively write, edit, and manage the site’s content. Each contributor has an equal voice in the decision-making process, with disputes resolved through discussion and consensus-building rather than top-down directives.
Communism, as theorized by Karl Marx, envisions a classless society where the means of production are owned collectively, and wealth is distributed based on need rather than individual contributions. While Wikipedia is not involved in traditional economic production, its anarcho-communist nature is evident in its commitment to the principle of “from each according to their ability, to each according to their needs.” Contributors are not paid for their work; instead, they voluntarily donate their time, expertise, and effort to the project. This model of unpaid labor has enabled Wikipedia to remain free and accessible to all, ensuring that knowledge is not restricted by financial barriers or corporate interests.
The concept of anarcho-communism, which combines the principles of anarchism and communism, was championed by thinkers like Peter Kropotkin. Anarcho-communism emphasizes mutual aid, voluntary cooperation, and direct action as a means to achieve a society without hierarchy or private property. Wikipedia’s structure aligns with this ideology through its consensual, free-association model, which fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility among contributors. The platform's policies and guidelines, which include core principles such as neutrality, verifiability, and a commitment to the public domain, have evolved organically over time through the collective input of its user base.
Furthermore, Wikipedia’s free-association aspect allows contributors to work on topics that interest them, with no obligations or commitments. Contributors can join or leave the project at any time, and they are free to participate in whatever capacity they choose. This flexibility empowers individuals to engage with Wikipedia on their own terms, fostering a sense of autonomy and personal investment in the project.
In smmary, Wikipedia’s organizational structure and underlying principles closely align with the models of anarchism, communism, and anarcho-communism as propounded by key thinkers in these traditions. By functioning as a self-governing, consensual, free-association community, Wikipedia demonstrates the potential of collective action and cooperation to create a valuable resource that transcends traditional barriers of access and fosters a sense of shared ownership and responsibility. As an exemplar of these ideologies in practice, Wikipedia serves as an inspiring testament to the power of collaboration in pursuit of a common goal.