Name
Abstract | ||
|---|---|---|
A theory is presented that one of the reasons why the use of unlicensed software is so widespread and unstigmatized is that legislatures, courts and other bodies which create policy operate at a higher level of abstraction than do individuals, and that abstraction is a key factor in the divergence of societal behavior from that condoned by legal statute. This theory is explored through a pilot study consisting of medium depth interviews with two volunteers who had used unlicensed software. Their attitudes, understanding of the law, and characterization of their use of unlicensed software as based on “need” is reported. In addition, the concept of face is examined, and how it is maintained while violating law. It is suggested that further studies, using multiple methodologies, (in-depth interview, focus groups, and surveys) be conducted prior to developing further policy or legislation regarding intellectual property protection for software. |
Year | DOI | Venue |
|---|---|---|
1994 | 10.1145/199544.199551 | Ethics in Computer Age |
Keywords | Field | DocType |
pilot study,higher level,intellectual property protection,rules work,medium depth interview,focus group,unlicensed software,key factor,in-depth interview,multiple methodology,legal statute | Legislature,Statute,Abstraction,Engineering ethics,Computer security,Legislation,Software,Intellectual property,Engineering,Focus group | Conference |
ISBN | Citations | PageRank |
0-89791-644-1 | 0 | 0.34 |
References | Authors | |
1 | 1 | |
Name | Order | Citations | PageRank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelly Warwick | 1 | 2 | 1.59 |