Many people believe that the main reason to study history is to find the patterns and study them to determine the benefits of the repetition, or a way to prevent evil from coming back again. Such is the case with Martin Luther and his Protestant reformation that can be connected to the relatively recent Free Software Movement. After first the connection is hidden in the complexities of the motives and goals of each, but when looked upon with a broader perspective the patterns are surprisingly clear. Martin Luther set the stage for the rejection of authority found in the Free Software Movement.
During the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther and his successors began to look at their beliefs and rejected the traditional Catholic Authority. Most significantly Luther, and later Calvin, proposed that a person attained salvation through faith, and grace, alone. This doctrine rejected the Catholic Church because the Church was no longer necessary for salvation, and therefore useless. In rejecting the authority of the Church, Luther promoted the individual and individuality.
The parallel from Protestant Reformation to the Free Software Movement is that in promoting the idea of free software, that anyone is able to edit, this movement rejects the authority of the established software companies, to be the final authority on available software. The same way that Luther rejected the Catholic authority on salvation.
The problem that free software faces, is the same one that Luther faced, what to do with malicious persons who would destroy what has been created, be it software or peace. And in general the problem is dealt with in both cases the same way, the power of the masses. Start with the assumption that most people are good, and in general make good, benevolent decisions, and then the power of the masses will control or negate the power of those who seek to destroy.
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| Martin GNU |
During the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther and his successors began to look at their beliefs and rejected the traditional Catholic Authority. Most significantly Luther, and later Calvin, proposed that a person attained salvation through faith, and grace, alone. This doctrine rejected the Catholic Church because the Church was no longer necessary for salvation, and therefore useless. In rejecting the authority of the Church, Luther promoted the individual and individuality.
The parallel from Protestant Reformation to the Free Software Movement is that in promoting the idea of free software, that anyone is able to edit, this movement rejects the authority of the established software companies, to be the final authority on available software. The same way that Luther rejected the Catholic authority on salvation.
The problem that free software faces, is the same one that Luther faced, what to do with malicious persons who would destroy what has been created, be it software or peace. And in general the problem is dealt with in both cases the same way, the power of the masses. Start with the assumption that most people are good, and in general make good, benevolent decisions, and then the power of the masses will control or negate the power of those who seek to destroy.
Nice connection! For me exploring the idea of free software is a challenge because of my conception of order and heirarchy. Freeware completely changes the logistics and bases motivation and reputation elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteJust noticed your prof's name is Gideon, thereby making Macon not the only Gideon we know! Am really enjoying reading this blog and trying not to envy the interesting discussions you must be enjoying in class.
ReplyDeleteSo when are you going to reject the authoritarian model and embrace Zion? :)
ReplyDeleteThe trouble is, people are too dumb to make good benevolent decisions.
ReplyDeleteSean I completely understand the challenge of leaving the safety found in order and hierarchy. And not only does open software, but essentially all the open movements pose this risk. We have to decide how much freedom is worth.
ReplyDeleteFenton, I'll reject authority when it proves it's unworthy.
Well, maybe you could find a good excuse to come and sit in sometime Grandma!
ReplyDeleteRobert, saying that people are too dumb to make choices, shows no faith in human nature, good will always triumph evil, it just takes faith and coaxing.