On the Problem of "Illiteracy" in the Contemporary Knowledge Society

Abstract

The authors of this paper study a paradox in the contemporary knowledge society - fall in level of erudition that is here despite the evident information and technology expansion. They blame the Internet to be the cause of this which, despite a number of positives such as possibility for fast communication, search for information, entertainment and similar also brings some risks. The authors describe six risks that they believe present bad influence on contemporary erudition: 1st reduction of knowledge to mere atomised information; 2nd reduction of knowledge to only expressible and useful knowledge; 3rd fixation to just results; 4th weakening in abstract, linear and logical thinking; 5th weakening of the connection to the past and future; 6th acceleration and cumulation in information flow. The authors state that it is only support of real erudition, bound with understanding and wisdom, that can eliminate these risks, generated by communication on the Internet.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s4p230