The Ethereum network has garnered significant attention in the blockchain space, not only for its pioneering technology but also for its vibrant ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps). Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, emphasizes that the most critical area requiring ‘good social philosophy’ lies within Ethereum’s application layer rather than its infrastructure layer.
In a recent post on Warpcast, Buterin responded to discussions around the necessity for a new generation of developers, asserting that the app layer is essential for nurturing the core values of Ethereum. He pointed out that the purpose and design of applications built on Ethereum significantly depend on the underlying ideology that developers hold about what these applications are intended to achieve for society.
“Apps are 80% special purpose. What apps you build depends heavily on what ideas you have of what Ethereum apps, and Ethereum as a whole, are there to do for the world. And so having good ideas on this topic out there becomes crucially important,” Buterin remarked.
Unlike programming languages that serve as general-purpose tools, such as C++, the app layer is more susceptible to the influence of the philosophical beliefs of its creators. A programming language may remain functional regardless of the ideology of its creator. But, as Buterin notes, the same cannot be said for Ethereum’s infrastructure, which can be shaped by the shared values of its developers. For instance, the transition to proof-of-stake (PoS) and the emphasis on light clients reflect a design philosophy that values decentralization and sustainability.
Distinguishing Between Good and Bad Social Philosophies
Buterin provided several examples of applications that embody a good social philosophy, such as crypto privacy protocol Railgun, Web3 social protocol Farcaster, and the messenger app Signal. He asserts that these applications are designed to prioritize ethical considerations, performing the right actions by default.
Conversely, he pointed out projects like the memecoin platform Pump.fun and the collapsed crypto ecosystem Terra as examples that represent poor social philosophies. Buterin explained that the distinctions in application design and purpose arise from the developers’ beliefs about what they aim to accomplish.
As Ethereum continues to evolve, the emphasis on integrating good social philosophy into its application layer becomes increasingly paramount. The development of decentralized applications should be informed by the broader implications these applications have on society. Ultimately, fostering a community of developers rooted in ethical considerations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Ethereum and blockchain technology as a whole.
