Cyberspace as a Space Parallel to Geographical Space

Abstract

In this text I work with philosophy, sociology and the history of technology in order to explore the possibility of building on the definition of “space”. My goal is to describe cyberspace as a “space” parallel to “geographical space” and to tell the story of its genesis by exploring “space” in the context of humans and their society. I argue that social evolution describes human colonization of geographical space as the dynamic interplay between new communication techniques, technological innovations and the differentiation of society. Communication techniques and technology in the process of social evolution redefine “space” from a geographical context. At the same time this process generates a separate space in cyberspace by forming a “conceptual space” by virtue of the Internet connecting computers. Parallel space, in a philosophical context, results when the space-transforming technology alters geographical space so that critical mass is reached assisted by the Internet. This chapter concludes with the idea that a parallel space exists for social systems when the new demand placed upon individual psychic systems requires an explanation of how society functions differently in cyberspace.