Marianne Corvellec

Ethics is at the root of free software. In a philosophical perspective where ethics is operational rather than moral, we argue that the ethics of Free Software goes beyond ethics. It is morality. The ever-present concern for self-respect, autonomy and, of course, freedom makes free software akin to historical philosophical movements (humanism, Enlightenment, existentialism). Besides, the Free Software Movement contribute their principles (such as transparency) and practices (such as cryptography) to support whistleblowers, journalists, and activists. Similarities with other social movements let us derive existing and possible coalitions.