Free Software, Free Society

Selected Essays of Richard M. Stallman

Hardcover, 224 pages

English language

Published Oct. 18, 2002 by Free Software Foundation.

ISBN:
978-1-882114-98-6
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4 stars (3 reviews)

The intersection of ethics, law, business and computer software is the subject of these essays and speeches by MacArthur Foundation Grant winner, Richard M. Stallman. This collection includes historical writings such as The GNU Manifesto, which defined and launched the activist Free Software Movement, along with new writings on hot topics in copyright, patent law, and the controversial issue of "trusted computing." Stallman takes a critical look at common abuses of copyright law and patents when applied to computer software programs, and how these abuses damage our entire society and remove our existing freedoms. He also discusses the social aspects of software and how free software can create community and social justice. Given the current turmoil in copyright and patent laws, including the DMCA and proposed CBDTPA, these essays are more relevant than ever. Stallman tackles head-on the essential issues driving the current changes in copyright law. He argues that …

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Review of 'Free Software, Free Society' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

Stallman often rubs people the wrong way. And sometimes he can be cringy bordering on creepy. But if you separate Stallman the activist from Stallman the person, there are a lot of things he got right.

This collection of essays is a deep dive into the free software movement. While some of the essays are poignant, some fell flat for me. But the good ones made a very strong point on why we should protect our freedom.

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Subjects

  • Ethics & Moral Philosophy
  • Law
  • Computers - General Information
  • Philosophy
  • Social Aspects - General
  • Business Software - General
  • Intellectual Property - General
  • Computer Bks - General Information

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