Who is the User of ICT4D? Differing Approaches to the Notion of Selfhood

In May 2026 David presented his latest paper on ICT4D, at the 19th IFIP Working Group 9.4 Conference, “Reorienting the Digital: Ethics, Ontology, and Sustainable Futures,” in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract: This paper argues that the philosophical foundations of ICT4D remain predominantly rooted in Western traditions—whether liberal, positivist, or critical—and that this reliance shapes core assumptions about selfhood, agency, and moral purpose in development practice. While postcolonial theory has significantly influenced ICT4D scholarship, many of its most prominent thinkers, including Said, Spivak, and Chatterjee, draw primarily from European critical philosophy. In contrast, explicitly non-Western philosophical frameworks remain marginal. To address this gap, the paper introduces the Buddhist doctrine of anātman—reality without a permanent self—as a novel lens through which to re-examine ICT4D ethics and design. After outlining key elements of Buddhist thought in their historical context and contrasting them with Western notions of the self, the paper shows how anātman challenges individualistic assumptions embedded in ICT4D discourse. The paper then considers points of convergence between anātman and emerging Western process-oriented philosophies in information systems. Finally, it proposes questions for ICT4D scholars and practitioners that foreground interdependence, compassion, and the reduction of suffering as guiding principles. The paper contributes to decolonial efforts by expanding the epistemic plurality available to ICT4D research and practice.

Kreps, D, (2026) “Who is the User of ICT4D? Differing Approaches to the Notion of Selfhood” Proceedings, 19th IFIP Working Group 9.4 Conference, “Reorienting the Digital: Ethics, Ontology, and Sustainable Futures,” in Kathmandu, Nepal. Springer (forthcoming)