For some reason I really learn a lot about things by analogy. I’m not sure if this is because my brain is poorly wired or that there’s valuable information I’ve developed for other situations that I’m just moving over. Does anyone else think this way? (Additionally, my memory is indexed based on space/location, not time like many of my friends.)
As an example, I was able to think about free software licensing by thinking about my toaster. And why ICANN sucks is clear if you think of them as the dictators of a new planet (cyberspace). Just now I think I solve the challenge in a post by Glenn Reynolds by thinking about playground bullies.
Hm, the common theme seems to be moral/ethical questions and outrage. I’d be angry if someone locked me out of my own toaster, why shouldn’t I feel the same way about my operating system? I’d revolt if ICANN tried to pass laws to govern the entire planet, why not when they try to govern all domain names? And I’m not too upset when the little guy teaches the playground bully a lesson, isn’t the US similar?
I suppose we develop a sense of morals from context and situations. Perhaps by making the connection between seemingly abstract areas of technology to these everyday situations clear, the morally right choice comes into focus.