ETHICAL.md

Beyond code and licenses, software shapes the world we live in. ETHICAL.md is a vital companion file for projects that wish to declare their commitment to responsible, transparent, and humane software development and usage.

Why ETHICAL.md Matters

When we publish code, we provide technical instructions, often accompanied by a README for usage, a LICENSE for legal terms, and a CHANGELOG for history. Yet, ethical considerations—the values guiding how software impacts society—are rarely made explicit.

ETHICAL.md fills this gap. It embodies the creators’ moral compass, inviting users and contributors to engage openly with the ethical commitments underpinning the project. It helps build trust, foster accountability, and encourage intentional, reflective software development.

What's Inside ETHICAL.md?

This document outlines principles such as non-violence, opposition to exploitation, anti-racism, environmental justice, transparency, and community stewardship. These principles are designed to guide the use, modification, and distribution of the software in ways that prioritize human dignity and social good.

Use ETHICAL.md in Your Project

ETHICAL.md is not a legal instrument, but an ethical covenant. It is meant to complement, not contradict, your legal LICENSE file. Projects that adopt ETHICAL.md show leadership by affirming social responsibility explicitly.

Consider including ETHICAL.md alongside your README, LICENSE, CHANGELOG, and CONTRIBUTORS files to communicate your values clearly.