Feb 13
Apple has just published its supplier responsibility report, which audits its contract workers who produce and assemble hardware in factories outside the US.
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Nov 15
A binding agreement, as much a social contract as Social Security or Medicare, the traditional Hippocratic Oath holds those who swear to it to a strict code of professional and personal conduct. Contrary to popular belief, though, most doctors never take this oath—and, actually, most of us are probably glad they never do.
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Aug 20
The internet consists of two major ingredients: Porn, and adorable animals. Everything else is pretty much a churning sea of virulence and racism. But what if we told you that those animal pics actually ain’t so pretty? As it turns out, there’s a chance many of them could be faked—and in some pretty cruel ways at that.
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Jun 13
Big news from the east side of Capitol Hill: It’s not okay to patent genetic material taken from the human body. Or at least, it’s not okay in the eyes of the nation’s highest court. SCOTUS took on the controversial and somewhat futuristic case earlier this year, and with all the torrid discussion about updating all patent laws, everyone knew that this decision would be a landmark one.
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Mar 22
You have no family; you are a construct, a robot; you were not born; you will not die; you have only the home I give you and learn only the things I teach you. More »
Sep 28
PBS draws link between digital music ethics and magic spells, somehow makes it look simple (video)
Posted in: Today's Chili 
AAC files and the arcane don’t have much in common on the surface. After some digging, however, PBS’ Idea Channel has found that magic is an uncannily good analogy for digital music rights and explaining the thorny ethical issues that come with them. Both music and spells stem from grassroots cultures that give away their content for free, but (at least until an anti-magic clampdown at eBay) have since become businesses. That nature poses a key ethical question: when we’re used to a free experience and can copy songs or spells as much as we like, what does it take to keep us as honest customers? As show host Mike Rugnetta suggests, it’s a matter of personal responsibility — if we want more of either, we have to think of the commerce as showing support for future work. You can catch Mike’s clever train of thought after the break, and ponder what constitutes DRM for a potion while you’re at it.
Filed under: Portable Audio/Video, Internet, Alt
PBS draws link between digital music ethics and magic spells, somehow makes it look simple (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 22:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Aug 24
TangiBot manufactures ethics controversy by replicating open-source Makerbot 3D printer
Posted in: Today's Chili 
A Kickstarter entry has managed to stir the fairness pot by touting a MakerBot Replicator clone called TangiBot — legally copied from the original 3D printer‘s open source plans. The project’s creator, Matt Strong, says that the device will offer “the same performance and features at a roughly 33 percent discount” to Makerbot’s $1,800 price tag, thanks to Chinese manufacturing. That’s inflamed some in the 3D printing fraternity, who take exception to the exact copying of a design without any improvement. The founder is unrepentant, however, saying that “MakerBot’s technology is nothing new” and insists his replica product’s lower price will open up 3D printing to more hobbyists. TangiBot has addressed a trademark gripe from its doppleganger by removing the MakerBot references from Kickstarter — but hey, we know a KIRF when we see one.
Filed under: Peripherals, Robots
TangiBot manufactures ethics controversy by replicating open-source Makerbot 3D printer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 07:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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