Reclaiming Knowledge as a Commons: Historical Ethics and Contemporary Open Science

Abstract

Introduces the papers in the volume discussing Open Knowledge and Open Science through historical, ethical, and civilizational perspectives. Moving beyond access-centric models, the studies foregrounds ethical responsibility, inclusivity, epistemic justice, and the social purpose of knowledge. The papers bring Western philosophical debates on knowledge commons into dialogue with Eastern knowledge traditions, demonstrating that contemporary principles of openness have deep historical antecedents. Central attention is given to figures of the Kerala Renaissance - Sankara, Chattampi Swamikal, Narayana Guru, and others whose efforts to dismantle epistemic monopolies, democratise sacred learning, and institutionalise inclusive education anticipate modern Open Science ideals. The papers also addresses contemporary challenges of linguistic and technological exclusion in digital repositories. Collectively, the articles argue that openness is a historically grounded ethical practice requiring a balance between access, responsibility, and cultural sensitivity, offering a civilizational framework for sustainable and equitable knowledge commons.