Technology Review: Wikipedia and the Meaning of Truth
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Saved by 19 people (-1 private), first by anonymouse user on 2008-10-21
Public Sticky notes
With little notice from the outside world, the community-written encyclopedia Wikipedia has redefined the commonly accepted use of the word "truth."
Highlighted by zamiel
With little notice from the outside world, the community-written encyclopedia Wikipedia has redefined the commonly accepted use of the word "truth."
Highlighted by zamiel
Unlike the laws of mathematics or science, wikitruth isn't based on principles such as consistency or observability. It's not even based on common sense or firsthand experience. Wikipedia has evolved a radically different set of epistemological standards--standards that aren't especially surprising given that the site is rooted in a Web-based community, but that should concern those of us who are interested in traditional notions of truth and accuracy. On Wikipedia, objective truth isn't all that important, actually. What makes a fact or statement fit for inclusion is that it appeared in some other publication--ideally, one that is in English and is available free online. "The threshold for inclusion in Wikipedia is verifiability, not truth," states Wikipedia's official policy on the subject.
Highlighted by margolis
"The threshold for inclusion in Wikipedia is verifiability, not truth," states Wikipedia's official policy on the subject
Highlighted by tpastian
Verifiability
Highlighted by jasnazmak
no original research
Highlighted by jasnazmak
neutral point of view
Highlighted by jasnazmak
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