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Academic Perspective on Hacking and Hackers

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McKenzie Wark, a professor of Media and Cultural Studies, provides an academic perspective on hacking and hackers. Wark argues that hacking is a broader societal phenomenon beyond just computer systems. Hackers are creators of information constantly battling to liberate their creativity from organizations that seek to own it. Wark's view extends hacking to various domains, including philosophy, economics, warfare, and politics, seeing it as a creative force rather than destructive. Wark discusses the role of play in human culture, drawing on Johan Huizinga's Homo Ludens, which posits that play is the foundation of civilization. She suggests that hacking can be seen as a form of play focused on specific objects, driven by curiosity and the desire to explore and learn. Wark also addresses the moral dimensions of hacking, relating hacker behavior to different types of game players, including those who follow rules, cheat, or simply play for the sake of playing. She dismisses morality as the primary driver, instead focusing on the rules and goals of the game. The discussion also touches on neurodiversity, noting that technology can provide a safe haven for neurodivergent individuals, allowing them to leverage their strengths in a structured environment.

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  1. 03.09.2025 15:00 📰 1 articles · ⏱ 13d ago

    Academic Perspective on Hacking and Hackers

    McKenzie Wark, a professor of Media and Cultural Studies, provides an academic perspective on hacking and hackers. Wark argues that hacking is a broader societal phenomenon beyond just computer systems. Hackers are creators of information constantly battling to liberate their creativity from organizations that seek to own it. Wark's view extends hacking to various domains, including philosophy, economics, warfare, and politics, seeing it as a creative force rather than destructive. Wark discusses the role of play in human culture, drawing on Johan Huizinga's Homo Ludens, which posits that play is the foundation of civilization. She suggests that hacking can be seen as a form of play focused on specific objects, driven by curiosity and the desire to explore and learn. Wark also addresses the moral dimensions of hacking, relating hacker behavior to different types of game players, including those who follow rules, cheat, or simply play for the sake of playing. She dismisses morality as the primary driver, instead focusing on the rules and goals of the game. The discussion also touches on neurodiversity, noting that technology can provide a safe haven for neurodivergent individuals, allowing them to leverage their strengths in a structured environment.

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