Abstract. This paper inquires into the possibility of the development of ICT at the Bottom of the Pyramid. Its focus is on philosophically founded methods and languages applicable on a universal and exemplary basis. The methods are taken to be based on abduction and sweeping-in-processes and the languages are taken to be based on categorical imperatives of Kant and the discourse ethics of Habermas/Apel. These 'taken to he's' are contrasted with Jacques Derrida's 'Deconstruction'. Paul Feyerabend's 'Against Method' as well as complexity theory. The explicated monological/dialogical and formal / procedural methods and languages together with its counterparts are used to start a sweeping-in-process on 'Social Informatics'.

Abstract:This paper reflects and calls for action on the possibility of using Information and Communication Technologies at the Bottom of the Pyramid by turning the pyramid into a diamond of knowledge creation and knowledge sharing. It tries to show what is at the heart of the challenges that C.K. Prahalad suggests in his vision of the Fortune from the Bottom of the Pyramid. Then it searches a theoretical basis of his claims in Transaction Cost Theory. However Transaction Cost Theory may itself be challenged using the theory of Max Boisot on Information Space and Social Learning, where data is taken to be a productive force along with labor and capital. The potential in the development of a better theory may then be formulated based on economizing on data. Knowledge creation and knowledge sharing at the bottom of the pyramid turns out to be the essence of what the design of ICT may contribute to a landscape of fair globalization. The role of ICT is taking to be support and enhancement of a balance between three forces Information Space and Social Learning: power, culture and knowledge. Finally it suggests a further meandering by a reflection on the need for the de-construction of Western thinking on economy, technology and knowledge.

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The paper presents the hypothesis that creation of information is only one side of inquiry. The creation of exformation as the context. the history. and the process behind the creation of the end-product of inquiry -information -must be paid just as much attention. The paper goes on to examine the signs for the need for exformation systems in exploring the possibilities for an ethical global information society. It challenges the design effort and design processes in designing information systems and pleads for new approaches to the design of exformation systems. Finally it attempts to sketch three possible approaches for the design and exploration of exformation systems.