Public domain software is not open-source?

[Matthew Flaschen]

Rick Moen wrote:
> Quoting Matthew Flaschen (matthew.flaschen at gatech.edu):
> 
>> Public domain is certainly not a license, so it can't be an approved 
>> open source license.
> 
> "Objection, your honour.  Lacks foundation."
> 
> I.e., your discussion assumes software that actually _is_ in the public
> domain,

This isn't my discussion.  I am merely pointing out that OSI has 
recognized the possibility (note: not existence) of PD, open source, 
computer software.

> but which software are you speaking of -- and isn't the question
> of whether it's really public domain or not the very thing that must
> first be determined?  

Not necessarily, though that's certainly relevant for someone 
considering reuse.

Matt Flaschen