Proposition 1:
Communication is a form of human interaction.
Proposition 2:
According to language philosopher Paul Grice, communication, if it is to be relevant, presupposes a certain form of cooperation (cooperative principle).
Proposition 3:
Communication that is not cooperative leads nowhere.
Proposition 4:
Using computer mediated communication it is very difficult to determine whether or not this communication is cooperative. The transfer of feelings through body language and intonation are missing. We can only guess about the context and intentions … so we can also be mistaken. Feedback is missing. Misunderstandings cannot be solved online in the end.
Note
These propositions fit perfectly into the theory of Jürgen Habermas’ communicative action in the public sphere. Communication between only two parties P2P cannot be considered as part of the public sphere. Either a third party controls the communication, while Habermas advocated complete freedom of action, or the third party acts as an equal, but then it is no longer P2P.
