Group Minds and the Case of Wikipedia release_jcv5czrk35a6pk2y7jnhixcbie

by Simon DeDeo

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2014  

Abstract

Group-level cognitive states are widely observed in human social systems, but their discussion is often ruled out a priori in quantitative approaches. In this paper, we show how reference to the irreducible mental states and psychological dynamics of a group is necessary to make sense of large scale social phenomena. We introduce the problem of mental boundaries by reference to a classic problem in the evolution of cooperation. We then provide an explicit quantitative example drawn from ongoing work on cooperation and conflict among Wikipedia editors, showing how some, but not all, effects of individual experience persist in the aggregate. We show the limitations of methodological individualism, and the substantial benefits that come from being able to refer to collective intentions, and attributions of cognitive states of the form "what the group believes" and "what the group values".
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Type  article
Stage   accepted
Date   2014-10-13
Version   v2
Language   en ?
arXiv  1407.2210v2
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