Terms to know and exam info

to do

watch sesh 7 for more info

find a few thinkers to refer to

See: Individu-data de Merzeau et Fanny Georges les 3 identités numeriques

Blockchain

Simple Definition:

A blockchain is a digital ledger (like a public spreadsheet) where all transactions are recorded, shared, and secured across many computers.

Key Features:

  • Decentralized: no single owner (unlike Meta or Google)

  • Immutable: once written, the data cannot be changed

  • Transparent: anyone can verify what happened (in public blockchains)

Relevance to the Course:

In your course, blockchain is not just a tech tool — it’s a political and organizational revolution. It enables:

  • Decentralized governance (DAO)

  • Transparency in community rules and funding

  • Alternative to central control (anti-platform capitalism)

How deep do you need to know this?

✅ Know the principles (decentralized, immutable, transparent)
✅ Understand how it enables DAOs, smart contracts, and participatory logic

Wallet

Simple Definition:

A wallet is a personal tool (app or browser extension) that lets you:

  • Store your cryptocurrencies or tokens

  • Sign transactions (proving they came from you)

  • Identify yourself in Web3 spaces

Examples: MetaMask, Phantom, Ledger

Relevance to the Course:

  • A wallet is your identity in a DAO or Web3 community (not your email!)

  • It’s pseudonymous: your name isn’t shown, just your wallet address (e.g., 0x23456...)

  • This allows for anonymity, but also raises trust and accountability issues

Exam Level:

✅ Know that wallets replace usernames
✅ Understand their role in voting, participation, and identity in DAOs
✅ Be aware of the ethical implications (good = privacy, bad = less accountability)

Bitcoin

Simple Definition:

Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto. It runs on a blockchain and is mainly used as digital money.

Role:

  • Proof of concept for peer-to-peer value exchange

  • Introduced the idea of economic coordination without central banks

In your course:

Bitcoin is mentioned as the first DAO-like system:

  • Miners do the work (validate transactions)

  • Rewards are automated (block rewards)

  • No central authority

Exam Relevance:

✅ Know Bitcoin as a starting point of blockchain and DAO logic
❌ You don’t need to understand mining or technicals
✅ Mention it if asked about origins of decentralization

Smart Contracts

  • Self-executing code stored on a blockchain

  • Used to automate rules in a DAO (e.g., “If 70% vote YES, then transfer funds”)

  • Motto: Code is law

✅ Know they replace bureaucratic or managerial decisions
✅ Know they can automate governance and payments

DApps (Decentralized Applications)

  • Apps built on blockchains (vs apps on Apple/Google)

  • No central authority can ban or change them

  • Examples: Uniswap, Lens Protocol

✅ Know they’re part of Web3's effort to break platform monopoly
✅ Mention DApps if asked about tools enabling peer-to-peer interaction

Token

  • Digital asset that can represent:

    • Ownership

    • Voting rights

    • Currency

    • Access

  • Used in DAOs and Web3 to incentivize participation

✅ Know that participation is rewarded with tokens
✅ Know that tokens are both economic and governance tools

Metaverse

  • A digital universe where people interact through avatars

  • Combines virtual reality, NFTs, blockchain, tokens

  • Not one single place — multiple platforms (e.g., Decentraland, The Sandbox)

✅ Know the metaverse is the social layer of Web3
✅ Mention it when asked about new digital community spaces