Computer Science | Grinnell College

This week in CS table, we'll discuss what ownership looks like in a digital world. How have our expectations and rights around ownership changed in the wake of digital goods and services? What have we gained and lost as consumers?

To prepare for our discussion check out the first (sample) chapter of Aaron Perzanowski and Jason Schultz's 2016 book, The End of Ownership: Personal Property in the Digital Economy.

The reading gives an excellent overview of the considerations and problems in this space; take notes and try to form "the big picture" in your head of digital ownership. We'll begin our discussion by trying to capture these concerns. In addition, come equipped with one example of a consumer product that is beginning to shift (or has already shifted) from a physical to a digital good. We'll use these more specific examples to try to hone in how we can respond to these changes.

Computer science table (CS Table) is a weekly meeting of Grinnell College community members (students, faculty, staff, etc.) interested in discussing topics related to computing and computer science. CS Table meets Tuesdays from 12:00–1:00pm in JRC 224A (inside the Marketplace). Contact the CS faculty for the weekly reading. Students on meal plans, faculty, and staff are expected to cover the cost of their meals. Visitors to the College and students not on meal plans can charge their meals to the department (sign in at the JRC front desk).