Difference between revisions of "Bristol Anarchist Bookfair 2015 Talk"
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== Parallels between Free Software and Anarchist Movements == | == Parallels between Free Software and Anarchist Movements == | ||
| + | There are a number of very strong parallels between the two movements, though they share no common historical source. It must be remembered that Software as a resource can be copied virtually free of cost, whereas Anarchist movements which concern primary production deal with items which cannot be reproduced without labour. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === No hierachy === | ||
| + | |||
| + | There's no given structure to a Free Software project. Adoption of roles within a project is commonly ad hoc. Many projects do end up with strong leaders, though this role is by no means granted through entitlement or ownershtip, and can be as fleating as the morning mist if decisions aren't liked. | ||
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| + | === Solidarity === | ||
| + | |||
| + | Free Software projects work together towards a common goal. Methods for relieving dis-unity are understood and practically applied. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Free Software as a movement has a core philosophy, based around the four freedoms. These four freedoms are there to promote social solidarity. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Mutual Aid === | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | === Sharing === | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | === Open Participation === | ||
| + | |||
| + | The four freedoms apply to everyone on the planet. If we discover life on other planets, it will be open to them too. Anyone can contribute to Free Software. | ||
== Differences between Free Software and Anarchist Movements == | == Differences between Free Software and Anarchist Movements == | ||
Revision as of 08:46, 15 February 2015
The Free Software Movement: what lessons could the anarchist movement learn?
Duration: 50 minutes, talk and discussion
The Free Software movement can be said to have begun in 1983 when Richard Stallman launched the GNU project. Since then a global network of projects worked on by individuals and organisations in a largely non-hierarchical fashion has gradually infiltrated the world of proprietary software. It has been subject to successes and failures, been co-opted and has changed the information technology world from within. What parallels are there with the anarchist movement and how does it fit with anarchist philosophy? Are there any lessons to be drawn from the Free Software movement that could be useful in anarchy's approach to gaining wider acceptance?
'Free' or 'Open Source'?
Parallels between Free Software and Anarchist Movements
There are a number of very strong parallels between the two movements, though they share no common historical source. It must be remembered that Software as a resource can be copied virtually free of cost, whereas Anarchist movements which concern primary production deal with items which cannot be reproduced without labour.
No hierachy
There's no given structure to a Free Software project. Adoption of roles within a project is commonly ad hoc. Many projects do end up with strong leaders, though this role is by no means granted through entitlement or ownershtip, and can be as fleating as the morning mist if decisions aren't liked.
Solidarity
Free Software projects work together towards a common goal. Methods for relieving dis-unity are understood and practically applied.
Free Software as a movement has a core philosophy, based around the four freedoms. These four freedoms are there to promote social solidarity.
Mutual Aid
Sharing
Open Participation
The four freedoms apply to everyone on the planet. If we discover life on other planets, it will be open to them too. Anyone can contribute to Free Software.