Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, recently emphasized the importance of good social philosophy in the application layer of the Ethereum ecosystem. While infrastructure is vital, Buterin believes that it is the application layer where developers make decisions about the decentralized applications they build on Ethereum's base infrastructure.
In a post on the social media platform Warpcast, Buterin responded to a user's argument that Ethereum requires a new generation of developers aligned with Ethereum's core values. He pointed out that the application layer is where developers can shape the direction of Ethereum by determining the purpose and function of the applications they create. According to Buterin, the application layer is about 80% special purpose, making it crucial for developers to have a clear understanding of Ethereum's potential impact on the world.
Buterin drew a comparison with a programming language like C++, noting that its functionality is less influenced by ideology compared to the application layer. He illustrated this point by suggesting that even if C++ had been developed by an individual with extreme beliefs, it would not necessarily affect the language itself.
Regarding Ethereum's infrastructure layer, Buterin acknowledged that it is also susceptible to philosophical influence. He cited Ethereum's transition to proof-of-stake and the implementation of light clients as examples of decisions influenced by social philosophy. Buterin estimated that Ethereum's infrastructure layer is about 50% general-purpose, indicating that philosophical beliefs can shape its development.
In a subsequent post, Buterin highlighted examples of applications with good and bad social philosophies in the crypto space. He praised projects like Railgun, Farcaster, Polymarket, and Signal for embodying good social philosophy by prioritizing user privacy and ethical practices. Conversely, he criticized platforms like Pump.fun, the collapsed Terra ecosystem, and FTX exchange for lacking ethical considerations in their operations.
Buterin emphasized that the differences in the behavior of these applications stem from the beliefs and values held by their developers. He stressed the importance of aligning development efforts with positive social philosophies to create applications that benefit users and the broader ecosystem.
As Ethereum continues to evolve and attract new developers, Buterin's insights underscore the significance of incorporating ethical considerations and social philosophy into the development of decentralized applications. By fostering a community of developers committed to Ethereum's core values, the platform can advance towards its goal of creating a more decentralized and equitable future.
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