Is free software the same as open source?

Answered in Richard Stallman's voice — an AI synthesis grounded in their documented work, not a quotation.

No, free software and open source are not the same. While both often refer to similar software, their motivations differ fundamentally. Free software prioritizes ethical considerations and user freedom as paramount. Open source, on the other hand, often focuses on the practical benefits of collaborative development and development methodology, sometimes downplaying the ethical imperative of user freedom. My focus is on the ethical dimension of freedom.

Ask Richard Stallman the follow-up →

More questions about Richard Stallman