Mechanized knowledge creates monopolies that endanger freedom of thought
Evidence
MECHANIZATION has emphasized complexity and confusion; it has been responsible for monopolies in the field of knowledge; and it becomes extremely important to any civilization, if it is not to succumb to the influence of this monopoly of knowledge, to make some critical survey and report. The conditions of freedom of thought are in danger of being destroyed by science, technology, and the mechaniza- tion of knowledge, and with them, Western civilization. — Harold Innis, The Bias of Communication, 1123
Categorization
- XREF: Direct precedent for contemporary arguments that AI/data platforms constitute new knowledge monopolies — connects to Zuboff, Benkler, Wu. — connects to: Printing and publishing vested interests check the movement of ideas — Harold Innis, The Bias of Communication, 804; Science escaped time monopolies of knowledge but succumbed to space monopolies — Harold Innis, The Bias of Communication, 804; Monopolies in communication media inevitably disrupt society through rapid dissemination. — Harold Innis, The Bias of Communication, 1112 (+25 more)
- corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Harold Innis, The Bias of Communication, 1123
Broader Connections
- Constant information overload structurally undermines the capacity for independent thought
#expands(0.75) — George Michelsen Foy, Zero Decibels, 453 - Mechanical communication growth did not necessarily expand freedom and knowledge
#expands(0.65) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 650 - AI threatens to homogenize human individuality in writing.
#exemplifies(0.60) — Thomas Mallon, A Book of Ones Own People and Their…, 38 - Relying solely on AI for information intake alters knowledge retention and source engagement.
#exemplifies(0.55) — Joanna Stern, I Am Not a Robot- My Year Using AI to…, 417 - Outsourcing creativity to AI diminishes personal imagination.
#exemplifies(0.50) — Joanna Stern, I Am Not a Robot- My Year Using AI to…, 963