Knowledge and Prosperity. An interesting essay by Virgina Postrel, based on a book by Joel Mokyr "The Gifts of Athena", which argues that... [E M E R G I C . o r g]

A couple of the key points. Looks like something I need to add to my read next list.

...the Industrial Enlightenment "sought to understand why techniques worked by generalizing them" — a critical step in turning new knowledge into an engine of continuing progress....

The third important aspect of the Industrial Enlightenment was the bridges it built between "those who controlled propositional knowledge," including scientific generalizations, "and those who carried out the techniques contained in prescriptive knowledge," the expertise in fields like agriculture, engineering and navigation...[When Knowledge Was Spread Around, So Was Prosperity, NY Times, registration required]

What this suggests to me is that efforts to exert strict control over intellectual property and the growing separation between theoreticians threaten the continued link between knowledge and prosperity. 

1:29:45 PM •  • comment