Open Knowledge

󰍉 Open Knowledge

Open knowledge, or free knowledge, refers to knowledge that is freely accessible, usable, reusable, and redistributable without any legal, social, or technological restrictions. This concept is closely related to open source principles and the Open Definition, which was derived from the Open Source Definition.

The history of open knowledge dates back to ancient times, even though the term itself is relatively new. For example, one of the earliest surviving printed texts, the Buddhist Diamond Sutra from around 868 AD, was dedicated to universal free distribution. In the modern era, the concept gained momentum with the development of the internet, which made it easier to share and access information globally. Wikipedia, founded in 2001, is a prime example of an open knowledge project, providing a platform where information can be collaboratively edited and improved.

Organizations such as the Open Knowledge Foundation, OpenStreetMap, and the Wikimedia Foundation are key players in promoting open knowledge by encouraging the sharing and development of freely accessible resources.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Wikipedia page on open knowledge: Open knowledge.