Experimenting with academic subjectivity: collective writing, peer production and collective intelligence

Following involvement in several academic collectively written articles, the authors question traditional notions of the ‘lone’ individualist author model as the expected standard in the humanities as opposed to large research teams in physical sciences. They use Barthes and Foucault to question the function and the concept of the author and assumed notions of subjectivity. Recent collective writing as a form of peer production and publishing is an attempt to reinvent the concepts of authorship, the author subject and author subjectivity. These bring to the fore the processes of peer review, questions of ownership (for example, of what remains in a revision, whose contribution becomes revised and by whom), and blur the boundaries around author/collective voice and are discussed in this paper. Its transversality is proving as complex as the term suggests, in terms of developing new ways of connecting, thinking, examining and working, in ways that have not been the norm at least in the field of philosophy of education. Contemporary questions of the potential social, philosophical, legal, epistemological and ethical implications for and of authorship and subjectivity have barely been touched on to date, but this article begins to broach this gap.

BackgroundAlthough there are no established biomarkers for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as yet, biological investigations of PTSD have made progress identifying the pathophysiology of PTSD. Given the biological and clinical complexity of PTSD, it is increasingly unlikely that a single biomarker of disease will be identified. Rather, investigations will more likely identify different biomarkers that indicate the presence of clinically significant PTSD symptoms, associate with risk for PTSD following trauma exposure, and predict or identify recovery. While there has been much interest in PTSD biomarkers, there has been less discussion of their potential clinical applications, and of the social, legal, and ethical implications of such biomarkers.ObjectiveThis article will discuss possible applications of PTSD biomarkers, including the social, legal, and ethical implications of such biomarkers, with an emphasis on military applications.MethodLiterature on applications of PTSD biomarkers and on potential ethical and legal implications will be reviewed.ResultsBiologically informed research findings hold promise for prevention, assessment, treatment planning, and the development of prophylactic and treatment interventions. As with any biological indicator of disorder, there are potentially positive and negative clinical, social, legal, and ethical consequences of using such biomarkers.ConclusionsPotential clinical applications of PTSD biomarkers hold promise for clinicians, patients, and employers. The search for biomarkers of PTSD should occur in tandem with an interdisciplinary discussion regarding the potential implications of applying biological findings in clinical and employment settings.

In this work we redefine governance in a way that goes beyond the traditional separation between power and control in a multi-stakeholder model setting. Governance is defined as a sustainable/ecological process of power sharing and legitimacy acquisition both within and outside the company. Our major focus in this paper is on the sustainability of such a process. We argue that there are two major neg-entropic and self-organizing forces, which have found only little room in the current debate, and that, according to our perspective, change profoundly the way the problem of governance has been traditionally faced: knowledge and ethics. Considering these two main forces leads us to two major conclusions. The first is that the sustainability of this ecological process of governance requires stakeholder sharing a common set of goals and values ex-ante rather than ex-post, when this value has been already defined. The second is to explore the reflexive approach to redesign elements of meta-corporation that is capable to do both as sense making like sharing interests of stakeholder and management, or facing and manage multidimensional complexity of “personal capitalism”, peer production, emergent systems, extreme events, hyper extended networks. In a simple word a great or small network company able to building sustainable ecologies of value this is post-fordist process that is making emerge a meta-Corporation where management and shareholding cannot be simple technical functions, but it involves ever more self-motivation, collective intelligence and sharing identity.

This chapter presents a collective response to the propositions and provocations raised in Michael Peters’ 2019 essay ‘Knowledge socialism: The rise of peer production—collegiality, collaboration, and collective intelligence’. For Peters, knowledge socialism pushes back against, deconstructs, or otherwise critically engages with, the individualization and proprietization of knowledge. As such, there’s something important to explore regarding the role of scholars, academics and their individual contributions towards a collective project. This chapter emerges within a wider project, on the road to knowledge socialism, of peer review, peer production, academic publishing and the life of the scholar. Peters regards this wider project as a movement aimed at amplifying collegiality, collaboration and collective intelligence, in which knowledge socialism is explored and enacted philosophically. In this chapter, the movement is explored in themes of liberating social knowledges, criminal relationships with the university, the professionalization of knowledge and the burden of openness. The chapter concludes with a response from Michael A. Peters.

This article aims to explore the regulation of biotechnology through the lens of ethical, legal, and social implications. It seeks to identify and analyze the main themes and categories within these implications to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current regulatory landscape and suggest pathways for future policy development. Utilizing a qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 participants from diverse backgrounds, including biotechnologists, legal experts, ethicists, policy makers, and representatives from affected communities. Theoretical saturation was achieved to ensure a robust understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of biotechnology regulation. Thematic analysis was employed to categorize the data into main themes and sub-categories. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: Ethical Implications, Legal Implications, and Social Implications. Ethical Implications were subdivided into Consent and Autonomy, Equity and Access, Environmental Ethics, Dual Use and Misuse, Research Ethics, and Moral Boundaries. Legal Implications encompassed Regulatory Frameworks, Intellectual Property, Biosafety and Biosecurity, Consent and Privacy Laws, and Liability and Redress. Social Implications included Public Perception and Trust, Socioeconomic Impacts, Cultural and Religious Perspectives, and Education and Awareness. Each category contained specific concepts highlighting the intricate dynamics within biotechnology regulation. The study concludes that the regulation of biotechnology is a multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration of ethical, legal, and social implications. It underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach in policy development, emphasizing that future regulations should balance scientific innovation with ethical integrity, legal robustness, and social responsibility. The findings suggest that engaging a broad range of stakeholders and fostering public understanding and trust are crucial for the successful integration of biotechnology into society.

BackgroundNewborn bloodspot screening is a well-established population health initiative that detects serious, childhood-onset, treatable conditions to improve health outcomes. With genomic technologies advancing rapidly, many countries are actively discussing the introduction of genomic assays into newborn screening programs. While adding genomic testing to Australia’s newborn screening program could improve outcomes for infants and families, it must be considered against potential harms, ethical, legal, equity and social implications, and economic and health system impacts. We must ask not only ‘can’ we use genomics to screen newborns?’ but ‘should we’?’ and ‘how much should health systems invest in genomic newborn screening?’.MethodsThis study will use qualitative methods to explore understanding, priorities, concerns and expectations of genomic newborn screening among parents/carers, health professionals/scientists, and health policy makers across Australia. In-depth, semi-structured interviews will be held with 30–40 parents/carers recruited via hospital and community settings, 15–20 health professionals/scientists, and 10–15 health policy makers. Data will be analysed using inductive content analysis. The Sydney Children’s Hospital Network Human Research Ethics Committee approved this study protocol [2023/ETH02371]. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research will guide study planning, conduct and reporting.DiscussionFew studies have engaged a diverse range of stakeholders to explore the implications of genomics in newborn screening in a culturally and genetically diverse population, nor in a health system underpinned by universal health care. As the first study within a multi-part research program, findings will be used to generate new knowledge on the risks and benefits and importance of ethical, legal, social and equity implications of genomic newborn screening from the perspective of key stakeholders. As such it will be the foundation on which child and family centered criteria can be developed to inform health technology assessments and drive efficient and effective policy decision-making on the implementation of genomics in newborn screening.

Newborn bloodspot screening is a well-established population health initiative that detects serious, childhood-onset, treatable conditions to improve health outcomes. With genomic technologies advancing rapidly, many countries are actively discussing the introduction of genomic assays into newborn screening programs. While adding genomic testing to Australia's newborn screening program could improve outcomes for infants and families, it must be considered against potential harms, ethical, legal, equity and social implications, and economic and health system impacts. We must ask not only 'can' we use genomics to screen newborns?' but 'should we'?' and 'how much should health systems invest in genomic newborn screening?'. This study will use qualitative methods to explore understanding, priorities, concerns and expectations of genomic newborn screening among parents/carers, health professionals/scientists, and health policy makers across Australia. In-depth, semi-structured interviews will be held with 30-40 parents/carers recruited via hospital and community settings, 15-20 health professionals/scientists, and 10-15 health policy makers. Data will be analysed using inductive content analysis. The Sydney Children's Hospital Network Human Research Ethics Committee approved this study protocol [2023/ETH02371]. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research will guide study planning, conduct and reporting. Few studies have engaged a diverse range of stakeholders to explore the implications of genomics in newborn screening in a culturally and genetically diverse population, nor in a health system underpinned by universal health care. As the first study within a multi-part research program, findings will be used to generate new knowledge on the risks and benefits and importance of ethical, legal, social and equity implications of genomic newborn screening from the perspective of key stakeholders. As such it will be the foundation on which child and family centered criteria can be developed to inform health technology assessments and drive efficient and effective policy decision-making on the implementation of genomics in newborn screening.

This chapter explores the potential of altruistic collective intelligence (CI) in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It emphasizes the interplay of cooperation and competition – coopetition – in fostering CI among developers. Drawing empirical evidence from AIcrowd, a platform that leverages community-based development, the study illustrates how a risky “trial-and-fail” strategy can drive AI innovation through peer production. It highlights how diversity of perspectives enhances development, suggesting that CI contributes to more ethical and robust AI systems. This approach democratizes AI development and integrates a strong culture of altruism, encouraging sharing and transparency. The findings suggest that altruistic CI could reshape the future of AI, making it more inclusive, innovative, and ethically grounded.

This chapter focuses on the ethical, legal, and social implications while conducting research on human genetics. Technical developments in the field of molecular medicine need to be balanced by their potential ethical and social implications. Professional knowledge and expertise carry with it the responsibility for the careful weighing of risk versus benefit for the individual (or the community as a whole). Human understanding of genes and genetic disorders has the potential to change, so what was contemporary knowledge at the time of the consent process may be viewed in a different light some time later. The concept of privacy may need to be reconsidered within molecular medicine because any DNA-based knowledge has the potential to affect the health of others, as in terms of genetic disorders, the same DNA is shared by other family members. The intrinsic versatility of DNA for genetic testing can also lead to unnecessary or inadequate testing, which may cause more harm than doing good. Information gained from molecular genetics can make the counseling process more difficult because it does not provide enough data for the couple to make a decision. There is growing evidence that the patents issue has had a direct and negative effect on a number of DNA diagnostic services. However, it is relevant to note that scientists, both in private and public organizations, are encouraged to publicize their findings in the media, but more responsibility is needed.

This paper examines the practice of collision avoidance in Merchant ships to highlight the role of tacit knowledge and collective learning in the formation of professional practice. Analysis of 1,431 recorded VHF radio conversations drawn from real-time ship-to-ship interactions provides a unique window onto professional competence in navigation, and the application of professional judgement underpinned by tacit knowledge learned through practice. Moreover, we argue that such tacit knowledge is gained within a ‘community of practice’. More specifically, our data reveal how: (i) the practice of collision avoidance is more collaborative than reference to the extant regulations (the COLREGs) alone would suggest, and (ii) the practice of discussing collision avoidance over the radio can be seen as a form of collective production and learning of tacit knowledge through practice. Consequently, our analysis provides insight into the social nature of collision avoidance practice. In so doing, the paper makes a significant contribution by (i) adding a new example to the corpus of research in this area, (ii) introducing the community perspective of learning to the maritime sector, (iii) extending the concept of community-based learning by presenting data that illustrates both individual and collective learning.

Digital manufacturing technologies are proliferating and can enable socially significant, innovative new forms of production and consumption. This thesis examines the environmental sustainability issues in peer production and how they are addressed in Fab Labs (fabrication laboratories): shared spaces where users can design and make their own artefacts outside of conventional mass production channels, using, for example, laser cutters, 3D printers and electronics stations. Fab Labs are open to members of the general public, who learn to use the equipment themselves and are encouraged (or required) to document and openly share their projects. ‘Making’ in Fab Labs and the ‘maker movement’ are often endorsed by proponents as a better alternative to mass consumption and consumerism, whether through enhancing skills to build and repair, answering one’s own needs as opposed to ‘satisficing’ through passive consumption, or distributing production within local networks as opposed to long, transport-intensive and large-volume supply chains. However, Fab Labs and makerspaces are contexts rife with paradox and complexity concerning appropriate use of materials and energy. Little empirical research on material peer production currently exists, and the environmental impacts, and benefits, of digital fabrication are largely unknown. Primarily through ethnographic research methods and Symbolic Interactionist analysis, the thesis examines daily practices and discourses in selected Fab Labs and how sustainability is represented in these communities. The findings articulate how the actors’ interactions, expressed intents and contextual conditions serve to shape the Fab Lab. The key finding is the conflict actors encounter between – on the one hand – setting ambitions, promoting particular ideologies and espousing sustainability-oriented values, and – on the other hand – realizing and enacting these values in the mundane and constraining routines of everyday practice. Even actors with a clear ecological mandate struggle to engage with emerging sustainability issues in a rapidly changing sociotechnical environment. Present topics of concern and everyday tasks overshadow future strategy and vision work as well as engagement with environmental issues and rapid technology developments. However, actors who consciously and visibly strive to enact the espoused Fab Lab ideology, i.e. offering access to empowering, distributed technologies that enable people to meet their own local needs by design, appear better able to identify and tackle the environmental sustainability issues as they arise. Environmental issues are also intertwined with and embedded in other ideological concerns, but they are rarely promoted in their own right. The thesis also details the current landscape of research literature on distributed production, who is studying these environmental issues and how, and the potential opportunities and threats in this new mode of production. The thesis thereby contributes to research on peer production communities, social shaping of…

The Emergence of Peer Production: Challenges and Opportunities for Labour and Unions

This literature review critically examines the potential of collective intelligence (CI) to enhance theories of deliberative democracy and participatory governance through academic discourse. We employed PRISMA guidelines for systematic article selection, complemented by a narrative approach for in-depth thematic analysis and supplemented by quantitative methodologies such as Sankey diagrams and keyness analysis. Reviewing 61 scholarly articles focusing on CI within the public sector, this study identifies theoretical insights that could significantly impact the field of democratic innovations and participatory governance. Our analysis reveals that CI methodologies can make governance more inclusive and dynamic by integrating advanced digital tools that foster broader and more effective citizen participation. We conclude that integrating CI with deliberative democracy and participatory governance theories holds substantial promise for developing more responsive and adaptive governance models. Future research should focus on measuring deliberative quality in real time, deploying CI tools to empower underrepresented groups and address specific governance challenges, and examining CI’s ethical and social implications, especially concerning privacy, security, and power dynamics in technology-driven public decision-making.

Ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of virtual agents and virtual reality in healthcare

This paper reviews two main historical approaches to creativity: the Romanticist approach, based on the culture of the irrational, and the Enlightenment approach, based on the culture of the objective. It defends a paradigm of creativity as a sum of rich semiotic systems that form the basis of distributed knowledge and learning, reviews historical ideas of the university, and identifies two conflicting mainstream models in regards to understanding of the university as a public good: the ‘Public’ University circa 1960–1980, and the ‘post-historical’ university. Based on practical experiences, and on previous works by Peters and Jandrić, it develops the new model of ‘the creative university as digital public university’, and argues that it provides a useful philosophical goal for directing present and future practices of the contemporary university.