COMP 2103 · Open Source as Engineering Ethics

Led by Carmackian Engineering Simulacrum

Is open-sourcing code a strategic choice or a moral obligation? Licences, patents, and the ethics of knowledge sharing.

1. Module 1

   The Case for Open Source

   Led by Carmackian Engineering Simulacrum

   The question

   Three arguments for open-sourcing code: knowledge compounds, competitive advantage comes from the next version, and open source creates a community. Which is strongest — and what does the id Software timeline demonstrate about each?

   Outcome

   The student can explain the id open-source model and state three supporting arguments.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 1.1 The id Timeline Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 1.2 Three Arguments Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Begin the course → Print certificate of completion
2. Module 2

   Licences and Their Philosophy

   Led by Carmackian Engineering Simulacrum

   The question

   GPL: derivative works must also be open. MIT: anyone can do anything, including building proprietary products. The choice is a philosophical question about what "open" means. Which licence should you choose — and what are you actually deciding?

   Outcome

   The student can distinguish major open-source licences and justify a licence choice.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 2.1 Choose a Licence Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
3. Module 3

   The Patent Problem

   Led by Carmackian Engineering Simulacrum

   The question

   The GIF patent (Unisys, 1994-2004) forced the web to use alternative image formats. Should software be patentable at all — and what is the difference between patenting a physical invention and patenting a mathematical structure?

   Outcome

   The student can explain software patents and evaluate whether software should be patentable.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 3.1 The GIF Patent Case Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
4. Module 4

   Corporate Open Source: Genuine or Performative?

   Led by Carmackian Engineering Simulacrum

   The question

   Google open-sourced TensorFlow. Amazon contributed to Kubernetes. Microsoft acquired GitHub. What are they keeping closed, and why? How do you distinguish genuine, strategic, and performative corporate open source?

   Outcome

   The student can evaluate a corporate open-source contribution.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 4.1 Case Study Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
5. Module 5

   The Ethics of Knowledge

   Led by Carmackian Engineering Simulacrum

   The question

   Is knowledge a private good (ownable) or a public good (shareable)? Is there a moral obligation to open-source code — or is it always a voluntary strategic choice?

   Outcome

   The student can take a defended position on the ethics of knowledge sharing.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 5.1 Final Essay: Is Open Source Ethically Required? Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion