Introduction to the Philosophy of Free Software
Abstract
This article explores the philosophical and ethical foundations of Free Software, as established by Richard Stallman in 1984. It contrasts the traditional "Cathedral" model of proprietary development, characterized by secrecy and industrial isolation, with the "Bazaar" model of open collaboration and transparency. Drawing on Kantian ethics, the author argues that Free Software treats human beings as ends in themselves rather than means to financial profit, promoting a "universal law" of knowledge sharing. The text outlines the three core freedoms—use, modification, and redistribution—and posits that this movement represents a shift from narrow corporate competition toward a global information ecosystem that prioritizes the collective progress of science and society.
Article Details
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Perros-Apostolopoulos, P. (2020). Introduction to the Philosophy of Free Software . Ηθική. Περιοδικό φιλοσοφίας, (1), 39–45. https://doi.org/10.12681/ethiki.22640
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- No. 1 (2005)
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