Free software free society selected essays of Richard M Stallman 3rd Edition by Richard Stallman ISBN 0983159254 9780983159254

Free Software, Free Society: Selected Essays of Richard M. Stallman (3rd edition) is a collection of essays written by Richard M. Stallman, the founder of the Free Software Foundation and a pioneering figure in the free software movement. This book is a comprehensive exploration of the philosophy, principles, and advocacy for software freedom, as well as its broader implications for society.

In this collection, Stallman discusses the importance of software freedom, which is defined by the ability to run, study, modify, and share software without restrictions. His essays touch on a variety of topics related to the ethical, legal, and social aspects of software and technology, highlighting the dangers posed by proprietary software, software patents, and restrictive licenses.

Stallman also argues for the necessity of free software in ensuring digital autonomy, promoting collaboration, and safeguarding privacy. He critiques the commercialization of software, particularly in terms of its impact on users’ freedoms, and provides insights into the history and development of the GNU Project and the creation of the GNU General Public License (GPL).

The book is divided into multiple sections, including:

• The GNU Project and Free Software: Providing foundational knowledge on the GNU Project and its role in the development of free software.
• What’s in a Name?: Examining the difference between “free software” and “open source” and why Stallman believes the former term more accurately reflects the ethical underpinnings of the movement.
• Copyright and Injustice: Critiquing current copyright laws, their impact on knowledge sharing, and the conflict between copyright and the community-oriented nature of free software.
• Software Patents: Discussing the dangers of software patents and advocating for protections against them in the software field.
• Free Software Licensing: A deep dive into the different licenses that enable free software, including the GNU GPL and the concepts of copyleft.
• Traps and Challenges: Addressing specific challenges faced by the free software movement, such as DRM (digital rights management), proprietary e-books, and the dangers of trust in centralized computing services.
• Value Community and Your Freedom: Reflecting on broader social and ethical issues, including the importance of community in the free software movement and the balance between freedom and power in a democratic society.