Towards a Normative Theory of the Intellectual Commons

Recapitulating earlier chapters that established the social value of commons-based activity the chapter offers a unified normative theory of the intellectual commons in support of an intellectual commons law. As the normative denouement of the book, this chapter down the foundations for the critical normative theory of the intellectual commons and the moral justification of an intellectual commons law and is structured into six interlinked sections starting with a statement of the basic tenets of a critical normative theory of the intellectual commons. The subsequent four sections examine the normative dimensions of the intellectual commons, i.e. personhood, work, value and community. Concluding sections briefly outline the contours of an intellectual commons law in alignment with the normative evaluations of the chapter. The ethical arguments of the model overall have established the moral grounds and present the framework for a distinct and independent body of law for the protection and promotion of the intellectual commons beyond the inherent limitations of intellectual property law.