No one can derive OUGHT from IS, as David Hume argued three centuries ago. But anyone can assert OUGHT from IS with a 'RULE' which expresses normative direction as obligation, permission or encouragement. This relation is intrinsic to the extensive philosophical literature, but it has not been previously expressed as succinctly as IS + RULE ⟾ OUGHT.
The Data With Direction Specification (DWDS) describes a new general-purpose request-response messaging system for use across any digital network. DWDS is a four-part specification, consisting of the RuleSchema data model; the RuleMaker application design; the RuleTaker component design; and the RuleReserve data storage design. Any person (individual or entity) can implement and/or operate all or some of these elements at their point of connection ('node'). All of these nodes taken together comprise “An Internet of Rules” for peer-to-peer exchange of OUGHT data.
DWDS allows each person deemed to be subject to a rule determining whether or not, and to what degree, they shall proceed in accordance with it.
