出版社：International Association for Computer Information Systems
摘要：Ethical decision-making regarding copying software is only partially understood. This article proposes that a relationship exists between an individual’s computer proficiency and his or her ethical beliefs about copying software. We identify two computer subcultures that influence computer users’ ethical beliefs. Ideas from these subcultures trickle out to society at large and are misunderstood and misapplied. Information systems students adopt a simplistic view of the subculture ideology. Academic institutions contribute to the problem through a lack of guidance, use of open source systems without explanation and adoption of loose academic licenses. The paper discusses the nature of moral reasoning regarding intellectual property rights and computer software. We discuss a method that can be used to test our proposition.
关键词：Computer Ethics; Open Source; Free Software; Intellectual Property
