[oclug] Semi-[OT]: Source code ethical dilemma

[Adrian Irving-Beer]

On Wed, Sep 21, 2005 at 10:49:27AM -0400, Bill Strosberg wrote:

> > Under this circumstance, it seems equally clear-cut in the
> > opposite direction.  But am I missing something?
>
> Yes, you appear to have a different fundamental understanding of
> right and wrong than I.
[...]
> Your position on this issue appears to be that of advocate, arguing
> your position with vigor, intellect and clarity.  You may have
> missed a great career in law, as some prospective nascent
> lawyerlings fail to make the transition into living the role of
> advocate.

Well, bear in mind my example was only meant to help understand the
*legal* side of the issue.  I consider the legal and ethical side
separate, as the two very often seem completely disconnected to me.

I originally assumed this was a moral / ethical issue rather than a
legal one.  I was surprised when the notion of legality came up.  My
explanation above is the reason; to me, the legality seems clear-cut,
while the ethical is decidedly hazy.

Now that I realise legal issues may still play a part, I'm both trying
to understand them (hence my very serious "Am I missing something?"),
and also trying to see if the various house-breaking analogies are
misapplied for this particular case.  I would, of course, prefer to
reduce this to an ethical issue again; hence my tone of advocacy.

My original post was about the ethics.  The end decision (still not
made yet) will likely be primarily an ethical one, but will take into
account the level of legal liability versus how much I can afford.
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