[site/about][s]: add in images and small proofing.
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Rufus Pollock
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@ -32,20 +32,20 @@ We will be steel-manning the key claims made by proponents of web3 through consc
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### We need better sensemaking. How do we get there?
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The aim is that we make good choices regarding web3 and crypto individually and collectively. Be that is to support, improve or curb it. Or, more broadly, in terms of allocating our resources to it in the form of attention, energy, money.
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The aim is that we make good choices regarding web3 and crypto individually and collectively. Be that to support, improve or curb it. More broadly, in terms of allocating our resources in the form of attention, energy, money.
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Finally, this should happen in as constructive, intersectional and (de-polarizing) way as possible.
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We think good sensemaking begins by clarifying and agreeing on the questions we want to ask -- and, a process for answering them. Here are our starting questions:
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We think good sensemaking begins by clarifying and agreeing the questions we want to ask -- and, a process for answering them. Here are our starting questions:
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* What are the narratives and claims made for web3, both positive and negative?
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* Based on the theory and evidence at our disposal, how should we evaluate these claims?
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* Given our evaluations, what should we do? Should we support and/or improve web3 technology, or, alternatively, restrict it? How does this differ across different uses (e.g. DAOs vs NFTs)? How should we do this?
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* More generally, what options are there both in web3 and beyond to fulfil on the aspirations voiced for it? How should we direct our attention, energy and resources to most effectively realize the positive aims whether via web3 or other means?
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* More generally, what options are there both in web3 and beyond to fulfil on the aspirations voiced for it? And thus, how should we direct our attention, time and money most effectively to realize these aspirations whether via web3 or other means?
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And here is our full structured tree of questions:
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<iframe width='853' height='480' src='https://embed.coggle.it/diagram/YfWTiHgtGXHDZOng/f8f055c8c63524670667170e6e77e8d71ea152a9e0b76dc53a205b11d0506177' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe>
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## Our Approach
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@ -55,21 +55,25 @@ We intend to take a distinctive approach. It has three key, layered components:
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* Transparently structuring those claims into hypothesis trees and evaluate them
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* A “conceptual underlay” with definitions and introductions to key terms and ideas
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First, we distinguish the key claims being made and the underlying aspiration behind them. For example, “blockchain allows for easier collaborative decision making” connects to an aspiration of more democratic governance. This brings clarity to the discussion: claims are atomic, well-defined and separate but connected to aspirations.
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Second, we transparently structure and steel-man the claims. In particular, using hypothesis trees we can break down a larger claim into sub-claims. For example, “blockchain allows for easier collaborative decision making” could break down into the claims: “a major problem for collaborative decision making is creating and tracking votes, especially at scale” and “blockchain makes it easier to create and track votes”. We combine this structured approach with the principle of generosity or steel-manning: creating the best version of any claim or thesis.
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Teasing apart the different aspects of an overall claim in this manner helps in two ways. First, it makes them easier to evaluate. Second, it makes transparent the reasoning behind any evaluation (including differing evaluations – for example, if I disagree with the overall claim we can now see whether it is because I disagree with subclaim one or subclaim two).
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Third, we provide a high quality “conceptual underlay” with definitions and introductions to key terms and ideas ranging from things like blockchain itself to public goods and the free rider problem. This conceptual underlay serves two purposes.
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First, it provides a basic introduction for those coming to the topic with simple, neutral summaries of the key ideas and terms. Second, it provides a base “layer” that underpins the evaluative work and the overall sensemaking effort. For example, suppose you want to evaluate the claim that DAOs can help address the climate crisis. To do that you are going to need contextual material about public goods, free rider problems – as well as information on what a DAO is! In addition, this is an area where meanings of key terms are crucial and often ill-defined, for example what exactly do we mean by “collaboration” or “freedom” (and is our meaning shared)? By providing reference material and common definitions we can ground and inform the debate and avoid “talking past each other”.
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Finally, this reference layer is also useful beyond claim evaluation. One of the exciting things about crypto and web3 is it engages with old, profound social and political questions such as the nature of money or the best form of government. However, in the excitement of novelty there can be a lack of awareness of existing literatures and historical precedents – which risks reinventing the wheel or, worse, repeating old mistakes. A solid conceptual background can help reduces these risks and improve the overall quality of discussion.
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Ultimately, our approach is guided by the _aspirations _of the web3 movement. We tease out the different strands of the web3 discourse and examine them in their own right. We also assist in fulfilling these aspirations, showing where web3 efforts need to be improved and presenting alternatives where appropriate. By structuring and presenting our enquiry in this way we can make the large volume of web3 content less overwhelming, and easier to grasp.
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Finally, this reference layer is useful beyond claim evaluation. One of the exciting things about crypto and web3 is it engages with old, profound social and political questions such as the nature of money or the best form of government. However, in the excitement of novelty there can be a lack of awareness of existing literatures and historical precedents – which risks reinventing the wheel or, worse, repeating old mistakes. A solid conceptual background can help reduces these risks and improve the overall quality of discussion.
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Ultimately, our approach is guided by the _aspirations_ of the web3 movement. We tease out the different strands of the web3 discourse and examine them in their own right. We support the pursuit of these aspirations, showing where web3 efforts need to be improved and presenting alternatives where appropriate. By structuring and presenting our enquiry in this way we can make the large volume of web3 content less overwhelming, and easier to grasp.
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## Get Involved
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@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ This is an open collaborative project. We already have a variety of partners and
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### If you like research and writing
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* Contribute to the [library][], for example by adding articles and research on web3 and background topics.
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* Write up key concepts and ideas. You can check out our [existing list][https://github.com/life-itself/web3/tree/main/concepts] to see which ones could be extended or improved.
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* Write up key concepts and ideas. You can check out our [existing guide][guide] to see which ones could be extended or improved.
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* Proof edit articles and transcribe dialogs. Please [get in touch][contact] to find out more.
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### If you like coding and designing
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@ -27,5 +27,5 @@ Offer us your feedback and suggestions through [our forum][forum]. For example:
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[library]: /library
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[contact]: /contact
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[concepts]: /concepts
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[forum]: https://github.com/life-itself/web3/discussions
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[concepts]: /guide
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[forum]: https://github.com/life-itself/web3/discussions
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