Nature, modalités et éthique des transferts de connaissances : essai de typologie

The establishment of a typology of knowledge transfers highlights main dimensions of this process : the sources of transfers and recipients ; the nature and modalities of knowledge, factual or procedural ; the constraints weighing on the actors ; use of channels of transmission and formalization of knowledge. This article shows how transfers of knowledge raise ethical problems in the field of the diffusion of new knowledge and in that of education, which force the authorities to intervene, in particular through the patents system and by ensuring free access to education. The rules and institutions are analysed in reference to the criteria of an ethical nature proposed by utilitarianism, libertarism and liberal egalitarianism.