The “Peer-to-Peer” economy and social ontology: Legal issues and theoretical perspectives

Abstract

Several business models based on the use of web platforms have recently become more widespread. These are generally called “peer-to-peer” models, and are much disputed because of their impact on the traditional economy. In this paper, an analysis of the legal concerns – which are briefly presented by assessing a recent Italian court case – introduces the main problem, which is the manipulation of economic and social processes through the control of the information generated by these models. The definition of these issues within a philosophical framework – given by the contrast between a “realistic” perspective and a “naturalistic” vision of “social ontology” – allows directions for future research to be suggested.