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Hypertext Publishing
and the Evolution of Knowledge
(1987/1991)
K. Eric Drexler
Abstract
Media affect the evolution of knowledge in society. A suitable
hypertext publishing medium can speed the evolution of
knowledge by aiding the expression, transmission, and
evaluation of ideas. If one aims, not to compete with the popular
press, but to supplement journals and conferences, then the
problems of hypertext publishing seem soluble in the near term.
The direct benefits of using a hypertext publishing medium
should bring emergent benefits, helping to form intellectual
communities, to build consensus, and to extend the range and
efficiency of intellectual effort. These benefits seem numerous,
deep, and substantial, but are hard to quantify. Nonetheless,
rough estimates of benefits suggest that development of an
adequate hypertext publishing medium should be regarded as a
goal of first-rank importance.
From Social Intelligence, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp.87-120 (1991), an
edited version of a paper originally submitted to the Hypertext
87 conference.
Table of Contents
Abstract Evaluation
The evolution of knowledge Some general objections
Media and knowledge What it might be like
Functions and consequences Quantifying its value
Needed inabilities Economizing intellectual effort
Architectural sketch Extending the discussable
Existing work Getting there
Advantages and problems Conclusion
Expression Acknowledgments
Transmission References
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Copyright 1987, K. Eric Drexler, all rights reserved.
Original web version prepared by Russell Whitaker.
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