Network Logic - Index of
Network Logic - Index of
Network Logic - Index of
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
2. Living networks<br />
Fritj<strong>of</strong> Capra<br />
In recent years networks have become a major focus <strong>of</strong> attention in<br />
science, business, and also in society at large and throughout a newly<br />
emerging global culture. Within a few years the internet became a<br />
powerful global network <strong>of</strong> communications, and many <strong>of</strong> the new<br />
internet companies act as interfaces between networks <strong>of</strong> customers<br />
and suppliers. Most large corporations today are organised as<br />
decentralised networks <strong>of</strong> smaller units, connected to networks <strong>of</strong><br />
small- and medium-sized businesses that serve as their subcontractors<br />
and suppliers, and similar networks exist among<br />
non-pr<strong>of</strong>it and non-governmental organisations. Indeed,<br />
‘networking’ has been one <strong>of</strong> the main activities <strong>of</strong> political grassroots<br />
organisations for many years. The environmental movement, the<br />
human rights movement, the feminist movement, the peace movement,<br />
and many other political and cultural grassroots movements<br />
have organised themselves as networks that transcend national<br />
boundaries.<br />
With the new information and communication technologies,<br />
networks have become one <strong>of</strong> the most prominent social phenomena<br />
<strong>of</strong> our time. Sociologist Manuel Castells argues that the information<br />
technology revolution has given rise to a new economy, structured<br />
around flows <strong>of</strong> information, power and wealth in global financial<br />
networks. Castells also observes that, throughout society, networking<br />
has emerged as a new form <strong>of</strong> organisation <strong>of</strong> human activity, and he<br />
Demos 25