by Brian Vuyk, student at Redeemer University College [1]

In the early nineteenth century, Claude Henri de Rouvroy proposed a reorganization of society by scientists and industrialists on the basis of a scientific division of labor, which would result in automatic and spontaneous social harmony. In later years, along with other thinkers such as Charles Fourier and Robert Owen, his ideas would be built upon by Karl Marx into the ideologies which today we term “Marxism”, or socialism.

Many people view socialism as a failed Utopian idea. It works well in theory; it failed in practice. Real people look out for themselves, not the good of the community. Sociologists agreed; many communities based on these principles were experimented with in the 1960’s. Most failed, as personal pride, and lust for power prevented people from truly working for the good of the community.

Many of the concepts which defined socialism are still found today in the Open Source ideology. Open Source is the concept of community ownership of intellectual property rights.

Open source is best exemplified in what we term open source software. This concept was originally published and promoted by Richard M. Stallman, a computer programmer in the mid-1980’s. Like a modern day de Rouvroy, Stallman promoted his ideas of community ownership of computer programs, which were in turn modified and promoted by the community, for free. One such example is the Linux operating system, and Open Source alternative to Windows. Currently anyone can download and install the Linux operating system free of charge, as opposed to Windows, where you must purchase a license from Microsoft. In turn, you have the right to modify Linux in any way you desire, under the condition that you make these changes available to the community again at no cost.

This method has turned Linux into a reasonable competitor for Windows. Many of those who run Linux, modify it, and add features to suit their needs. These features are given back to the community for all to use. This has brought on a rapid pace of advance.

Socialism implies community ownership, as does Open Source. This implies complete ownership, without limitations. For an example of limited ownership, consider a book. Once purchased, you own the physical paper and binding. You do not own the content of the book. The content is owned by the publisher and authors. You may not change, or redistribute that content without express permission. Open Source would imply ownership of the content as well, to be used however you desire.

While based on similar principles, the Open Source community has succeeded where earlier experiments in socialism have failed. It has shown that a community with similar goals and great dedication can create an atmosphere for rapid advancement in technology.