P/MD/47. Internet: social and philosophical perspectives

The paper seeks to explore the social, political and philosophical aspects of the Internet and its role in todays society. Various views on the nature of the Internet as a global medium of communication are outlined. The concept of the Ëdigital divide related to the disparity in access to the Internet is identified. The status of the Internet as an authoritative database of knowledge is argued. The nature of Internet based virtual communities is discussed.