Introduction

The main purpose of this paper is to discuss some fundamental changes that occur in human cognition whenever a traditional knowledge management process is influenced by a new communication technology. Certain findings of experimental psychology and psycho-sociology makes it plausible to believe that the way in which information is processed or visualized influences both human cognition and human behaviour. Respectively, a comparative analysis of knowledge management strategies intrinsic for particular modes of communication will be conducted. On this foundation, I will discuss the importance of communication technology for the development of particular human capacities and practices. Finally, some examples will be presented to show the relevance of these findings for law. In particular, it will be examined how and why different modes of communication may determine the standards and evaluations both of legal knowledge and legal practice. However, taking into account the aim of the paper, the following argument will focus exclusively on those psychological aspects of knowledge management which could explain the impact of communication technology on the evolution of legal practices.

For the purpose of our analysis let me define knowledge management as a set of practices used to develop or acquire expertise and skills or to discover, categorize, elaborate and disseminate information about particular data.