The term "epistemic commons" refers to the collective pool of knowledge, information, and shared understanding that society depends on to make informed decisions and engage in cooperative action. It is fundamentally about the integrity and accessibility of information that informs our individual and collective realities. This commons is built on principles such as transparency, inclusion, and the ethical dissemination of facts and perspectives, ensuring that the knowledge ecosystem remains robust and conducive to progress. In essence, the epistemic commons functions as the foundation upon which public discourse, scientific inquiry, and democratic processes thrive. It necessitates a vigilant approach to guarding against misinformation, biases, and manipulative tactics that can distort public perception and erode communal trust. Thus, protecting and nurturing the epistemic commons is critical for fostering a well-informed and resilient society capable of addressing complex challenges collaboratively.

See also: collective action, coordination failure, collective intelligence, decision making, network theory