Knowledge Commons and the Limits of Enclosure

Sor Juana drew from vast intellectual commons—classical texts, theological tradition, scientific knowledge accumulated across cultures—while making original contributions. This concept addresses the tension between property rights and access to knowledge. Libertarian justice must balance two principles: protecting creators' property in their work and ensuring that knowledge necessary for human flourishing remains accessible. Unlike land or tangible goods, knowledge can be shared without loss, yet creators deserve compensation for their labor. The framework distinguishes between appropriating the commons (restricting access to foundational knowledge) and legitimate property claims (recognizing individual creators' rights). Applied today, this principle opposes artificial scarcity in essential knowledge, defends open access to educational materials and scientific findings, while respecting creators' legitimate claims to attribution and benefit. It challenges monopolistic IP practices that enclose knowledge while defending the rights of individual authors. Justice requires access balanced with recognition.