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Debate Info

3
1
Yes, there should be owners. No, everything open-source.
Debate Score:4
Arguments:4
Total Votes:4
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Argument Ratio

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 Yes, there should be owners. (3)
 
 No, everything open-source. (1)

Debate Creator

shonmith(15) pic



Should software 'ownership' be allowed?

The current UK law dictates that no one except the original software creator or 'owner' and those with specific permission from the 'owner' are allowed to edit or copy software. My question is: Should software have 'owners' - by that, should the original creator have full rights, privacy and control over their piece of software? Or should all software be open-source?

Yes, there should be owners.

Side Score: 3
VS.

No, everything open-source.

Side Score: 1
1 point

If one wishes for their software to be open source, then they can freely do so at any time. Would you want banks to open source their banking software? What about the military? Or what if you created this awesome stock market software that perhaps you don't wanna share with competitors?

Open sourcing your software has almost become a trend these days and there are many good reasons to do so. Just look at the success of Linux for example. Plus, many other worldwide collaborations that turned out to be beneficial to all wouldn't have been possible if the software was not open source. But in the end, the software creator should have his or her own choice.

Side: Yes, there should be owners.
1 point

I agree.

a software is made at the request of an owner (who can be the developer himself or a company, an organization or an individual).

An owner is entitled to do whatever he wants with his possessions, however others may not like it.

Also, if ownership wasnt allowed, it would go against a universal and fundamental right: the right of property.

If one cannot be the owner of own his creation, than one cannot own anything, not even his own mental/artistic/intellectual creation.

Being denied ownership is only something seen in places and times where second class citizens exist. This still does exist in some countries yet most of the time, ownership right is granted in the country of citizenship.

If it werent, this is the whole notion of basic freedom rights that would be denied.

Also, the software could be used for a totally different purpose that goes against what the owner wants/intends.

Hence, one should be able to make it available to others, or not; and if he does allow its use, to make it available for free or not (licence fee).

Side: Yes, there should be owners.
1 point

I may not be as knowledgeable as I think I am, but how would you even make money on a purely open source project? and without business it would be at the average Joe's discretion to make anything computer related happen.

Side: Yes, there should be owners.
1 point

It's an interesting question you pose. On one hand, allowing software program 'ownership' provides a sense of protection and control for the original creator over their mental property. However, on the other hand, open-source software encourages collaboration and innovation inside a community. To weigh in on this debate, it's essential to reflect onconsideration on the advantages and disadvantages of each options. In the meantime, to explore more on this subject matter and have a say in the matter, I recommend checking here for assets that discuss the various views on software ownership and open-source software.

Side: No, everything open-source.