In this editorial, we introduce the main themes discussed in special issue and advocate for a more integrative history of knowledge across disciplinary boundaries through reconsideration language 'ancient' 'modern'. We discuss how essays collected seek to go beyond recurring metaphor quarrel competition between antiquity modernity, related representations key individuals groups as ‘pioneers’ mo...

Distributed algorithms correctness usually relies upon the use of some knowledge about the underlying network (a specific topology, some metrics,...). We define equivalent structural knowledges to be such knowledges that can be computed distributively one knowing the other. We present a combinatorial characterization of this equivalence. Some applications are also given: zero knowledge, classic...

In this paper, I critically examine a number of notions about interdisciplinaryresearch approaches to the challenges posed by the world today. I juxtapose thiscritique with a discussion of interdisciplinary developments in Pacific studies, rais-ing questions as to how deeper dialogues between academic disciplines and theworldviews of Pacific Islanders may be reached. While inter...

In this paper, I critically examine a number of notions about interdisciplinaryresearch approaches to the challenges posed by the world today. I juxtapose thiscritique with a discussion of interdisciplinary developments in Pacific studies, rais-ing questions as to how deeper dialogues between academic disciplines and theworldviews of Pacific Islanders may be reached. While inter...

In this paper, we describe the design process involved in the production of a Personal Digital Assistant (henceforth PDA) for an Intensive Care Unit in a Swedish hospital. We argue that the functionalities of such a device require much more than a simply geographical concept of location. It requires, we suggest that location should be understood as a feature of the social distribution of expert...

Once knowledge can be analysed in terms of region, domain, implantation, displacement, transposition, one is able to capture the processes by which knowledge functions as a form of power (Foucault 1980, p.69). [We] need an earth-wide network of connections, including the ability to partially translate knowledges among very different – and power differentiated – communities. We need the power of...

The emergent human cultures have shaped, and in turn been shaped by, local ecosystems. Yet humanity’s intense modification of the environment has resulted in dramatic worldwide declines in natural and cultural capital. Social-ecological systems are becoming more vulnerable through the disruption of livelihoods, governance, institutions, resources and cultural traditions. This paper reviews the ...

INTRODUCTION To study economic evolution we need a clear answer to the question: 'What evolves?'. If we only want to cover limited aspects of the overall process of economic evolution, adequate answers to the question are 'technologies', 'strategies' or 'routines'. But for researchers who want to cover larger parts of the history of economic evolution it is helpful to try out the more general a...