The concept of Open Source software raises the following questions:
~In the case of scientific studies, can you mention the name of the open source software in the research findings? For example, do you need permission of Linus or the permission of everyone who contributed to the Linus program?
--Ralph Johnson. “Ethics and Open Source”
~How much of a code can you copy until it is someone else’s work? Can you copy the whole thing considering it is open source or is that against copyright laws?
~If you keep the copyright and url in place, how much of the code can you change until it is totally different?
~Are content and code covered in copyright laws?
--“Open Source Ethics: Code Stealing”
~Should software be free like “free speech” or “free food”? Is it a right or privilege?
~Should software be shared as part of “a common good”?
--The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. “Unavoidable Ethical Questions About open Source”
As a user of Open Source Software, you must develop a personal code for your own use that incorporates these questions.
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