Философия/4.Философия культуры

Doctor of philosophy Gorokhov Pavel Alexandrovich

Ph.D. Yuzhaninova Ekaterina Rafaelevna

Orenburg State University, Russia

An analysis of the axiology potential

of the world computer net

The relevance of the philosophical study of the Internet and its system of values in the modern conditions has been caused by the following circumstances and factors. First, the need for this work is due to actual problems of the theoretical, including the philosophical, analysis of the establishing process of a values’ system in the space of Internet. Second, because of the increasing globalization of social relations in the XXI. Century, in consequence of the strengthening of the relationship and interdependence of life in all countries and peoples, which naturally leads to their convergence and interoperability. Internet serves as one of the technological foundations of this process – a network is used most often for different purposes and by different actors. Hence the need for the philosophical, generalized integrative analysis not only of the spirit and content, but also the valuable foundation. Third, the relevance of the study is due to the growing crisis of spirituality of the society, which is manifested in the dehumanization of society and culture, in the rationalism, material well-being in preference to intellectual wealth, pragmatism and utilitarianism, an exorbitant priority of individual interests. Consumerism and the entertainment industry are aimed at the incitement to the lower instincts in man, to the forming of moral relativism and primitive value-oriented system. By the problem-solving, in our opinion, a potential of the worldwide network can be used.

One of the first, who began to develop this perspective, was the V.N. Sagatovsky. He claimed that "axiosphere is a set of values that are resistant generalized notions of preferred benefits and acceptable methods for their production, in which the prior experience of the subject is concentrated and on the basis of which decisions are made about his future conduct. With this understanding of axiosphere a value system serves as the fundamental basis of lifestyle" [3, 28]. He also offered his version of the axiosphere structure reasoning from the understanding of value oriented activities. This activity can be "externalistic" (if values are dictated by external necessity) and "intrinsic" (if values are determined by the internal needs of the subject). G.P. Vyzhletsov assigned one of the most important principles of the axiosphere culture’s existence - its structure is always determined through the socio-cultural space and exists in a particular historical time. But even in this case, various hierarchies of values have a place in the same period.

M.S. Kagan believed that for an objective analysis it is necessary to introduce the concept of a value situation that presumes an evaluating subject. In his view, the emergence of a value situation is going on in the social and cultural environment, and, therefore, the culture’s axiosphere has a direct and inverse relationship with the environment (this position, as we see, is strongly correlated with the results of G.P. Vyzhletsov). M.S. Kagan concludes that "axiosphere is not a simple collection, neighborhood and a ranked set of certain values, but their totality – a developed in the cultural history system of values in specific forms of man's relationship to the world" [1, 52]. Highlighting the features of the object, he gives him such quality features of a value’s bearer as materiality or spirituality, natural or social, life-reality or artistic aesthetics. Morphology of the culture’s axiosphere is ontologically determined by M.S. Kagan - by way of the structure of a through values comprehended world as a variety of forms of being and a grasped non-being. However, he indicated that the only form of being, which gives rise to a particular type of value, is an art. Therefore objects of culture’s axiosphere are aesthetic, moral, political, legal, artistic and religious values in the realm of real life and fiction.

We will examine and characterize the Internet axiosphere in line with the current national tradition, the highlights of which are shown above. In this regard, under axiosphere of Internet we mean a certain way hierarchic, multi-dimensional, relatively stable set of historical values of the Internet, which are a generalized representation of the most important processes and phenomena in space network, perceived by users as a benefit. With this understanding of the Internet axiosphere a value system serves as the fundamental basis of behavior on the Internet.

By analogy with the M.S. Kagan’s classification of subjects in the culture’s axiosphere, we highlight the following subjects in the Internet axiosphere: a single individual, a contact group (its size can be quite substantial thanks to the technical possibilities of the Internet), a large non-contact socio-cultural group, humanity as a whole as a cumulative subject. Structure of axiosphere is always defined through a socio-cultural space and it exists in a certain historical time, so the Internet axiosphere also has a direct and inverse relationship with the environment, society, it is socio-culturally dependent. Indeed, in contrast to the culture’s axiosphere, the Internet axiosphere has been created and modeled on the existing system of values, with the interaction and mutual influence of these two entities.

Speaking about the specifics of the operation of the Internet axiosphere, we would like to emphasize one of its leading characteristics - on the one hand, a combination of steadiness, which makes the entire system stability and balance, and the dynamism, mobility, on the other hand, due to the very nature of Internet, the leading characteristic of which is an hourly change. Therefore the Internet axiosphere, as well as any phenomenon of spiritual life, can be reconstructed and modified in the new social conditions, but the rates of these processes will be higher than in any other areas. As it was shown above, some of the social conditions can also be transformed under the influence of Internet and the changes in its axiosphere. The Internet, being part of the life of society, not only depends on the trends taking place in it, but it can be a powerful factor of social and personal change. The changing of values’ system, on the one hand, is a condition for the existence both for culture in general and for Internet in particular. On the other hand, it is a natural, inevitable process.

Perhaps it would be reasonable to move the by the researchers of culture’s axiosphere reached conclusions on the Internet axiosphere, because it is a component part, and the laws acting in some whole will act in its individual components. Thus, by analogy, one could argue, first, that those systems that are both functional and historically developing, are characterized by self-organizing processes, respectively, also in terms of self-organization, we can consider the internet axiosphere. Second, the Internet axiosphere will become more complex in terms of content and forms of expression. Third, each new historical stage of its development will change not only the correlation and relationship of different types of values, but also their position in the hierarchy will change. Fourth, it is possible that at this point there is a becoming of the Internet axiosphere as an essential part of the culture’s foundation and social life in general.

When analyzing the values of any sphere of human activity there is always a question: is this "multi-dimensional complementarity a chaotic neighborhood of different planes or is there a certain regularity of the general structure?" [1, 90]. The biggest difficulties in the axiology traditionally arise with the construction of classification. Any classification implies subordination of system elements, their hierarchical structure. The axiological sphere of the Internet as a techno-socio-cultural phenomenon has such a subordination. The top level of this structure is, in our opinion, the values of fundamental and cultural meanings, in the form of philosophical, moral and professional settings. They provide direction and motivation to work in the field of the Internet for all its subjects. Focusing on the moral component in the network settings of subjects, we remove the issue of recognition as values of trolling, cyber vandalism, the creation and dissemination of crime and pornography, and the like, which for some people, we recognize, are values. But because of depriving of their moral and ethical principles, they are categorized as anti- values. We remove them from consideration in this study.

Understanding of the values by the majority of the network is possible due to the fact that the leading interests of users are synthesized in them. The key pointers of the Internet axiosphere have been identified on the basis of the aggregate of value judgments by a large number of representative agents. We see the appropriate allocation of the following groups of Internet axiosphere values: basic, universally valid and subjective values. We see them in that order, as the development of Internet the values of the aggregate subject are first gradually concretized in the form of basic and universally valid values. And later in the individual consciousness the values of freedom, creativity, self-discovery, self-expression, self-improvement began to promote. They can be realized in the space of the Internet. This should be remembered that each of the branches of Internet axiosphere one must evaluate by their own, and not by an alien yardstick.

Basic values are the values that ensure the existence of the Internet not only as such (otherwise they would not be values, but the reasons of being of this socio-technical phenomenon), but allow it to be attractive, user-friendly, functional, attracting for a large number of users, including for those who have a low level of technical knowledge and skills. The values of this group we also consider as basic, not only because they provide the success and quality of the processes occurring on the Internet, but the values are the basis for another hierarchy. The values of this group are: a network organization of interaction, hypertext organization of information, a virtual reality. For example, without the hypertext information organization it would not be possible to use the whole of news resources’ array, located in the network. The most researchers are inclined to believe that only hypertext links and references provide the existence and life of text on the network. Without the creation of a virtual reality, it would be impossible to complete immersion in the game operations or to use successful training programs and to exercise machines. Without the structure of the Internet ad exemplum of a network it would be impossible to organize networking and communication between a large numbers of participants.

Generally valid values are maximum, socially, economically or gender non-localizable values. These values go beyond the consciousness of the individual Internet subject, i.e. values which are of supra-individual character.

One of the first values is a value of the free exchange of information. Free and fast access to and sharing of information - that's the main pathos of the pioneers in the field of telecommunications, computer technology, and for creators of the first networks. Any user is provided with an almost instant access to the cultural and information space of all mankind with a choice from the variety of provided information. After the value of the free exchange of information, a number of other values put into shape in the network axiosphere, but we believe it to be the historically first, realized value of axiosphere.

Communication on the Internet provides unprecedented opportunities for an open communication between individuals and whole groups. This communication allows expanding the framework of the social, age, gender, individual characteristics; it is not subject to a condition of the national culture, time and space.

The value of games on the Internet is conditioned by the following features: online games promote a more differentiated view of themselves, they ensure expertise in the analysis of own successes and failures, the necessary emotions and positive experiences, stress removal relaxation of negative and aggressive trends of personality, and can also be used as a psychological correction.

Knowledge and education. The Internet has opened up new horizons in education, research activities, exchange of experiences and knowledge virtually with anyone. Besides the possibility of exchanging information, the created extensive online library with placed in them full-text editions of good quality, on-line conferences, meetings, papers, distance learning technology provide unique opportunities for learning, for self-education in the individual maximum comfort mode on its own educational trajectories.

Entertainment. A characteristic feature of the last decades is the increase in leisure of the Internet. Entertainment on the network has many forms and variations, but it shows the best correlation with all the characteristics of traditional relaxation. It involves a voluntary choice of the type of entertainment, unlimited list of them, the possibility of frequent changes of entertainment and combining with other occupations. Popularity is also provided through the fashion for this pastime, its relatively low cost, the ability to gain access to the full range of audio and video entertainment for a few moments, no need to waste time on travel to the center of entertainment (theater, cinema, and concert or exhibition hall).

Subjective values. The existence of most of the world objects does not depend on the person; therefore, their importance exists objectively. But, on the other hand, this value is not a value as long as the person does not commit an act of evaluation, i.e. to the perception of the value of an object by the subject it seems not to exist for him. This is most clearly manifested in the space of the Internet, when there is a choice between the possibilities of creativity, self-improvement, freedom, etc., provided by the network. We have identified the following subjective values: freedom, creativity, self-expression, self-realization, dynamism, initiative, and innovation. Of course, this category of values is the most extensive, mobile and volatile one and it is more dependent on various factors.

Freedom that allows you to create your own virtual world and not depend (at least relatively) from the society, to express yourself free. Internet removes all restrictions from the individual, there are no boundaries, moral and intellectual limitations, taboo topics.

Self-expression and creativity. The network creates many opportunities for creative self-realization: you can create personal websites, blogging, web pages, you can not only download movies and music, but also spread your music, songs, and videos, photos of your creative product, copyrights, video films, computer design, you can share files with friends. Free expression is possible in the genre-substance and a valuable aspect. Modern software applications and tools can capture many of the artists at the primary level.

Previously, one of the values of the society was stable relationships and organizational structures in society, in the information society it has been replaced by the dynamism and mobility [2, 23]. In the valuable space of the Internet stability is an obstacle in innovation and self-expression, it prevents the development. The network does not exist based on hard links, and consists of a set of free links that can seamlessly connect to it as well as shut down at any moment. Therefore the inherent in traditional society value of the stability, in a society of production of goods and services, is replaced on the Internet by the values of dynamism and agility, maneuverability.

Such dynamism and such agility bring to life a different set of values; they make possible to have more freedom to express yourself, in setting goals and making decisions that develop creativity and promote innovation. Innovation takes on an entirely different meaning than before. Previously, this ability allowed the subject to stand out from the crowd, but it was an optional feature. In modern conditions, this value is important, both for individuals and for companies and corporations doing business on the Internet.

The content, nature and direction of the formation of the Internet axiosphere are determinate through nature and specificity of axiosphere in the social environment. The dynamics of interaction between the Internet axiosphere and axiosphere of society in the present conditions, on the one hand, leads to the assertion of values of information, knowledge, independence, freedom and creativity, and on the other, the search for truth implies depreciation, rejection of complex knowledge, increase fragmentation and inconsistency of the spiritual consciousness of the world, both the individual and society as a whole.

Thus, the Internet axiosphere can be considered as structurally heterogeneous, internally diverse, in a certain way hierarchic one. Its component elements are in a synergistic relationship and unity. Along with this, the Internet axiosphere is the entire area of valuable relationships for creators and users. The key values of the network axiosphere are a set of technical capabilities, freedom of information, communication, self-expression, knowledge, innovation, dynamism. In an exaggerated way they carry a lot of dangers, such as the threat of corruption, the complete withdrawal of the virtual world, various kinds of dependency, threats to personal and the financial security of the person. All this makes urgent the question of rethinking over the regulators of the information society. At the same time, it should be noted a positive trend of more satisfaction of spiritual and intellectual needs in the space of the Internet.

The bibliography:

1. Kagan M.S. Philosophical theory of value. St.Р., "Petropolis," 1997. - 205 p.

2. Kostina A.V. Trends in the development of the information society culture: an analysis of modern information and postmodern concepts // Electronic Journal "Knowledge. Understanding. Ability ".- 2009. - № 4. Cultural Studies.

3. Sagatovsky V.N. Activities as a philosophical category // Philosophy.- 1978.- № 2.