Karol Dobrzeniecki Nicolas Copernicus University Torun (PL) A Janus-faced view of electronic governance Between Foucault and Habermas   Karol Dobrzeniecki Nicolas Copernicus University Torun (PL) Reykjavik, 13th – 14th of July 2007, LEFIS Meeting

The Information Technology Paradigm* - information is its raw material pervasiveness of IT’s effects networking logic flexibility: the material basis of an informational society can be reprogrammed and retooled *M.Castells, The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture.Vol 1.:The Rise of the Network Society, Oxford 2000, p. 69.

Why a theoretical dimension of the electronic governance? to avoid a technological determinism to provide a conteptual framework to identify new kind of values and risks Two visions: Habermas vs. Foucault

Habermas: Ideal speech situation The requirement of generality Autonomy Ideal role taking Power neutrality Transparence The unconstrained, unifying, consensus-bringing force of argumentative speech

Can the ideal speech situation occur in the cyberspace? New digital tools for a civil society Electronic government and self-government Access to public information Internet Standard Making Process

Foucault: disciplinary power - hierarchical observation normalising judgements and examination micro-penalties and rewards more effective, less repressive control no central controlling agency Bentham's Panopticon is an ideal architectural model of modern disciplinary power. Its principle may be universally applied.

Potential for disciplinary projects in the digital age Digital Rights Management Systems Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems Radio Frequency Identification Video-surveillance cameras

Conclusion: There is a very thin border between: the-perfect-knowledge-society project and the-perfect-knowledge-about-a-society project

How to keep the balance? - technological transparency (open standards) - taking care of the public domain - understanding of the new modes of regulation