MLKN.lab · Normative Foundations

The Normative Foundations of MLKN.lab

Principles, Values, and Societal Dreams for a Connected Knowledge Ecosystem.

Knowledge is not just about what we know—it’s about how we should act. The Normative Foundations of MLKN.lab is a meta-layer that maps values, principles, ethics, laws, and norms to our polyhierarchical knowledge network.

This page explores the philosophical, ethical, and societal dimensions of MLKN.lab, contextualizing our research focus within a broader movement to build a more connected, ethical, and knowledgeable society.

Here, you’ll find:

  • Great publications that define our normative framework.
  • Principles and values that guide MLKN.lab’s vision.
  • Societal dreams that inspire our work.
  • Connections between knowledge, ethics, and action.
graph TD A[MLKN.lab] --> B[Normative Foundations] B --> C[Principles] B --> D[Values] B --> E[Ethics] B --> F[Laws] B --> G[Norms] B --> H[Societal Dreams] C --> I[Polyhierarchy] C --> J[Open Science] C --> K[Interdisciplinarity] D --> L[Democracy] D --> M[Human Rights] D --> N[Fairness] E --> O[AI Ethics] E --> P[Knowledge Governance] F --> Q[Human Rights Law] F --> R[AI Regulation] G --> S[Scientific Norms] G --> T[Digital Citizenship] H --> U[Connected Society] H --> V[Ethical AI] H --> W[Knowledge for All]
Principles and Values Great Publications Societal Dreams Get in Touch

Principles and Values of MLKN.lab

MLKN.lab is built on a foundation of principles and values that guide our research, design, and vision for the future of knowledge.

⬢

Polyhierarchy

Knowledge is not linear or flat—it’s multidimensional and interconnected. MLKN.lab’s polyhierarchical model allows us to represent knowledge as a dynamic, layered network.

Connected to:
  • Research Focus: Computational epistemology, network science.
  • Normative Layer: Systems thinking, complexity.
⬢

Open Science

Knowledge should be accessible, transparent, and reproducible. MLKN.lab is committed to open access.

Connected to:
  • Research Focus: Open Access Monographs, Scientific References.
  • Normative Layer: Transparency, collaboration.
⬢

Interdisciplinarity

The most pressing challenges require interdisciplinary solutions. MLKN.lab breaks down silos between AI, education, human rights.

Connected to:
  • Research Focus: Multilayer networks, hypergraphs.
  • Normative Layer: Collaboration, diversity.
⬢

Ethical Knowledge

Knowledge has ethical implications. MLKN.lab integrates ethical frameworks into our knowledge network.

Connected to:
  • Research Focus: Human-AI Interaction, Cognitive Architectures.
  • Normative Layer: Ethics, human rights.
⬢

Societal Impact

Knowledge should serve society. MLKN.lab is designed to have a real-world impact.

Connected to:
  • Research Focus: Knowledge Infrastructure, Applications.
  • Normative Layer: Justice, equity, sustainability.

Great Publications: The Normative Library

A curated collection of publications that define the normative foundations of MLKN.lab.

⬢

Philosophy

Foundational works exploring the nature of knowledge, cognition, and reality.

2023

Gunkel, D. Person, Thing, Robot: A Moral and Legal Ontology for the 21st Century and Beyond. MIT Press.

DOI | PDF | Open Access
Why It Matters: Explores the moral and legal status of AI, aligning with MLKN.lab’s Layer 2 and Layer 5.
2021

Hidalgo, C. A. How Humans Judge Machines. MIT Press.

DOI | PDF | Open Access
Why It Matters: Explores how humans perceive AI, aligning with Layer 2 and Layer 3.
⬢

Ethics

Frameworks for evaluating the moral implications of knowledge and technology.

2023

Council of Europe. Ethical Principles for Artificial Intelligence.

PDF | Open Access
Why It Matters: Outlines ethical AI principles, aligning with Layer 5 and Layer 2.
⬢

Values

Foundational ideals that guide knowledge, society, and action.

2018

Council of Europe. Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC).

PDF | Open Access
Why It Matters: Defines competences for democratic culture, aligning with Layer 1 and Layer 5.
⬢

Laws and Norms

Legal and cultural frameworks that shape knowledge and society.

2024

Council of Europe. Human Rights in the Digital Age: A Legal Framework.

PDF | Open Access
Why It Matters: Explores human rights in the digital age, aligning with Layer 5 and Layer 4.
⬢

Societal Dreams

Visionary works that inspire a better future for knowledge and society.

2012

Suber, P. Open Access. MIT Press.

DOI | PDF | Open Access
Why It Matters: A manifesto for open science, aligning with MLKN.lab’s commitment to open access.

Societal Dreams: Building a Better Future

MLKN.lab contributes to a broader movement for a connected, ethical, and knowledgeable society.

⬢

A Connected Society

Dream: A world where knowledge is interconnected.

How MLKN.lab Contributes:
  • Polyhierarchical Model: Dynamic network representation.
  • Interdisciplinary Focus: Breaks down silos.
  • Open Access: Accessible to all.
Key Publications:
⬢

Ethical AI

Dream: A world where AI systems are ethical.

How MLKN.lab Contributes:
  • Normative Knowledge Framework: Ethical AI framework.
  • Human-AI Interaction Focus: Responsible collaboration.
Key Publications:
⬢

Knowledge for All

Dream: A world where knowledge is a public good.

How MLKN.lab Contributes:
  • Open Access Monographs: Curated library.
  • Scientific References: Dynamic collection.
Key Publications:
⬢

Democratic Knowledge

Dream: A world where knowledge empowers democracy.

How MLKN.lab Contributes:
  • RFCDC Integration: Democratic culture competences.
  • Education Focus: Democratic values.
Key Publications:
⬢

A Sustainable Future

Dream: A world where knowledge addresses global challenges.

How MLKN.lab Contributes:
  • Systems Science Focus: Complex system modeling.
  • Interdisciplinary Connections: Links environmental science, AI, and policy.
Key Publications:

Get in Touch

Connect with François Papin to collaborate or learn more.

LinkedIn GitHub Email