http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=00048144-10D2-1C70-84A9809EC588EF21
The classes of objects the Web can handle is highly restricted [yet even this restricted feature set brings an information deluge with the click of a button], and many researchers consider it capable of useful extension. The result, as explained in this article, is the "semantic Web", which can react helpfully to the meaning of selected words and phrases [as opposed to reacting to the structure of a URL]. The result is a Web which is more precise and responsive to human intention.
Such a development in and of itself is a prospect worth pursuit, but consider this: the more the Web becomes semantic, the more it becomes a form of embedded prosthetic. It is a bromide that tools work on the user even as the user uses the tools to effect some task -- making the Web semantic could carry that reciprocal shaping deep into our secret selves. Like many other maind-stunning prospects, I don't think we can really grip all of the implications of this before deciding whether to do it or not -- we will shoot down Alice's rabbit hole while praying we find an umbrella handly in case of strain.
The components of the semantic Web are discussed in this article:
http://logicerror.com/semanticWeb-long
An introduction to the concepts behind the semantic Web, and the the state of play as of a couple of years ago, with links to further reading, is found here:
http://infomesh.net/2001/swintro/
A primer on the semantic Web [which once again emphasizes that this strirring in the reeds has been ongoing for nearly 3 years, which is a century in InterNet time] is available here:
http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2000/11/01/semanticweb/
A more recent account, which discusses the XML programming side of the semantic Web is here; it includes a whole page-load of additional references:
http://www.disobey.com/detergent/2002/sw123/
Anything which involves ontology as part of its description should cause one's skeptical antennae to quiver mightily, but here is the site which not only flaunts the concept, but also provides you with the current news about this whole development:
To paraphrase Mr. Fudd: "This is wery, wery important!"
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