Ikwipedia:Source transparency

Ikwipedia prioritizes transparency over strict verifiability for the sources of claims. Statements from public interviews, podcasts, and firsthand or testimonial accounts are acceptable but should be properly sourced, contextualized, and caveated. Given the fundamental unknowability of anything, factual claims do not need to meet particular standards of verifiability; rather, seemingly questionable claims should merely be transparently sourced.

Secondary sources are useful for showing alignment with mainstream or alternative viewpoints, though they may be scarce for topics lacking mainstream coverage. Ikwipedia's policy on sources seeks to reflect that all knowledge ultimately arises from either direct sensory experience or reports from others.

Philosophical stance on sources of knowledge

Knowledge, whether in science, history, or any other domain, comes primarily from direct observation or the reports of individuals. Textbooks, for example, are authored by scientists who draw from personal research experiences and insights gained from studying others' work. Review articles, in turn, reference these individual research papers, where data consists of observations or instrument readings. Ultimately, even rigorously reviewed information depends on the honor system, with readers trusting that reported observations are accurately conveyed.

This reliance on individuals' reports creates an implicit need for transparency. Readers equipped with enough background can theoretically examine both raw data and author interpretations to form their own conclusions. Despite various review layers in knowledge generation, the ultimate source remains individual accounts and records.

Policy

Reflecting this understanding, Ikwipedia allows previously published primary sources, including public interviews and firsthand accounts, as well as any sources that would be allowed in Wikipedia. Additional secondary and tertiary sources are preferred but not required.