A semi-structured discussion of
‘decentralisation’ as a concept. Session will begin by asking the question-
“what does empowering technology look like?” After a short break-out (
15 mins) to discuss this in groups of 3-5, we’ll rejoin.
Will then come together for a maximum of
80 mins to share these insights and explore words like
‘empowering’ and
‘equitable’, especially as they relate to the elusive concept of
‘decentralisation’. We will explore this concept along dimensions of data distribution, ownership, access, location, place, sociological, technological, cultural, political, financial… and many others to be brought forward on the day. We’ll discuss the flows of value and influence between these aspects of structure and power, and how governance and standards influence thinking patterns, code architectures and languages. We’ll use frameworks like Holochain, Ethereum, Scuttlebutt, DAT, Hypergraph, R3 Corda as examples of systems which express (consciously and unconsciously) power along these
‘dimensions of decentralisation’.
We’ll let this discussion run for a long as feels natural, and if particular topics & interest areas arise we may allocate time for groups to break off into more focused discussions. There is also an offering to dive into the HoloREA framework architecture, the reasoning behind its differences and the complex web of social, technical, financial and political interdependencies that have directed its development. How are these differences expressed in language? Are there better languages and framings available? How do our own framings map to those of others with different worldviews and lived realities?
There will be a final regroup for
20 minutes at the end of the session to allow for popcorn-style sharing of insights gathered, synthesis and final reflections from participants.
Prepare to unlearn what “framework”, “app”, “runtime” (and many other words) mean to you!
ParticipationDevelopers, sociologists, whole systems thinkers, distributed governance experts. We may be looking at and discussing code, but my goal is to keep the conversation framed in the (more accessible) constructs of language, cooperation and communication.
Why Participate?Every time there is a revolution in history the measurement infrastructure changes because we need new representations of complex global realities. Many decentralised projects focus on measuring, recording, managing or healing these realities; as such, they are projects of great responsibility. But there is often little reflection and pause for thought as to what we mean when we use this word,
“decentralisation”. This is a time for such reflection, and to gather insights and new perspectives from each other.
Relevant links
Contactpospi, Willem Olding, Paul d'Aoust
