STDIN

So I just sent my students this question, which they have about a week to answer, though of course it is such a Large Question that it is not answerable in any definitive sense. But I bet it will provoke some pretty interesting arguments about the world of hacking by discussing those elements and commitments that unite and divide hackers.

In the last number of weeks, we have read and talked about hackers, hacking, and the ethics of hacking. Even though we have only completed the first five weeks of class, it is already clear that hacking not only resists definition but that there is a great degree of diversity among hackers. This diversity is due to differences in ethical stances and political motivations as well as differences that arise from the material acts of tinkering/hacking, among many other factors. There are also centrifugal forces that sociologically pull hackers apart as well as centripetal forces that push them together.

Given this heterogeneity, are the differences or similarities more important to highlight for our general understanding of computer hacking. Why?

To craft a plausible argument, you will need to narrow down the focus on the essay in some fashion. You might, for example, just focus on the question of free speech, which was raised in a number of places, or alternatively on what hackers do with and how they relate to technology. You could also narrow it down by defining what "understanding" even means. There are quite a number of themes, questions and methods you can use to narrow down your essay and in this regard creativity will be rewarded.

Whatever you chose to do, draw on at least two of the following three theoretical texts (Warner, Peters, and Hebdige). You will be expected to discuss Kelty's work on Free Software as well as the Sterling and Thomas on the “hacker underground.” You should also address at least three of the following six the authors (Pfaffenberger, Levy, Rosenbaum, Hesse, Sennet, Hitt & Tough).