Wikipedia stands as a unique and ambitious project with a clear mission: to provide a free, comprehensive encyclopedia that covers all branches of knowledge. This mission is driven by the goal of benefiting readers worldwide by offering reliable, neutrally written summaries of mainstream knowledge. As a project of the Wikimedia Foundation, Wikipedia aims to be the largest encyclopedia in history, both in terms of breadth and depth.
A Free and Accessible Resource
Wikipedia's primary
purpose is to act as a widely accessible and free encyclopedia. It serves as a comprehensive written compendium that contains information on all branches of knowledge. This accessibility is a cornerstone of Wikipedia's mission, ensuring that anyone with internet access can benefit from the vast array of information it provides. The platform is designed to introduce readers to topics, offering overviews rather than being the final point of reference. As a tertiary source, Wikipedia provides summaries of existing mainstream knowledge, making it a valuable starting point for research and learning.
The goal of Wikipedia articles is to present information in a neutrally written manner, ensuring fairness and accuracy. The articles are crafted in a straightforward, "just-the-facts" style, maintaining an encyclopedic tone. This approach avoids essay-like, argumentative, promotional, or opinionated writing, ensuring that the content remains objective and reliable.
The Vision of Wikipedia's Founders
The vision of Wikipedia's founders, including Larry Sanger and Jimmy Wales, is central to understanding its purpose. Larry Sanger articulated the goal of creating a free encyclopedia that is the largest in history, emphasizing both breadth and depth. This vision is not just about size but also about reliability, ensuring that Wikipedia remains a trusted resource for users worldwide.
Jimmy Wales further expanded on this vision by imagining a world where every person has free access to the sum of all human knowledge. This ambitious goal underscores the global reach and impact that Wikipedia aims to achieve. By providing content in multiple languages, Wikipedia strives to reach every corner of the globe, making knowledge accessible to all.
Core Content Policies
Wikipedia's content is governed by three principal core content policies: neutral point of view, verifiability, and no original research. These policies ensure that articles are written without bias, representing all views fairly. The neutral point of view is a fundamental principle, guiding the writing and editing of articles to avoid taking any particular stance.
Verifiability is another key policy, requiring that all content be supported by reliable sources. This ensures that the information presented is accurate and trustworthy. The policy against original research prevents the inclusion of unpublished ideas or interpretations, maintaining the integrity of the encyclopedia as a summary of existing knowledge.
