Led by Carmackian Engineering Simulacrum
About this course
id Software released every engine as open source after its commercial life ended. Half-Life was built on Quake. Call of Duty on Quake III. The position underlying these decisions: taking a patenting approach — saying "this idea is mine, you cannot extend it" — seems fundamentally wrong.
This course examines the philosophical, legal, and strategic dimensions of open source from licences to software patents to corporate open source.
Based on the published writings and public statements of John Carmack.
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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
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
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
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
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