Open Access: A means for knowledge democratization

Abstract

It is postulated that democracy must operate not only in government but also in knowledge, in which freedom makes possible its discussion and transmission by and to the greatest number of people without the need to solve obstacles or requirements. Information and communication technologies (TIC’s) are an instrument to knowledge access and to develop active, creative and reflective citizens. Knowledge, as a product of research, is a public good that must be distributed without obstacles in democratic conditions such as freedom and equality through “open access”.