Loading...
As Boundaries Fade: The Social Contract in Cyberspace
Horowitz, Steven
Horowitz, Steven
Citations
Altmetric:
Genre
Research project
Date
2006
Committee member
Group
Department
Philosophy
Subject
Permanent link to this record
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.34944/dspace/423
Abstract
For over ten years, scholars have debated over law in cyberspace. Some, the "exceptiona!ists, " argue that cyberspace should develop its own system of laws and regulations. Others, the" unexceptionalists, " argue that real-space territorial law must govern the internet. This paper advocates a new kind of exceptionalism, grounded in an examination of legitimate
authority in cyberspace. I use social contract theory to locate two sources of legitimate cyberspace authority: the authority of a real-space sovereign over its citizens and the authority of a cyberspace community formed by a distinct social contract. I argue that, because cyberspace dissolves territorial boundaries, internet users are insecure in their knowledge of political relationships and that cyberspace communities can resolve this incon venience.
Description
This research project was completed as part of the course, Philosophy (298).
Citation
Citation to related work
Has part
ADA compliance
For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation, including help with reading this content, please contact scholarshare@temple.edu