The ethics of Stimpunks describe the values and commitments that guide the project and its community.
These ethics form the foundation for the Stimpunks ecosystem, shaping how we understand neurodivergent life and how we design environments that support diverse minds.
They are expressed through four connected layers:
- worldview
- guiding principles
- personal commitments
- community agreements
Together these layers form the ethical foundation of the Stimpunks operating system.
The Ethical Stack
The ethical system of Stimpunks can be understood as a layered structure.
Manifesto↓Tenets↓Creed↓Covenant
Each layer answers a different question.
| Layer | Question |
|---|---|
| Manifesto | Why does this work exist? |
| Tenets | What principles guide our thinking? |
| Creed | How should individuals act? |
| Covenant | How do we act together? |
The Manifesto
The manifesto describes the worldview that shapes Stimpunks.
See:
The manifesto affirms ideas such as:
- neurodiversity as human variation
- pluralism and dignity
- accessibility as infrastructure
- interdependence and belonging
It explains why designing environments for diverse minds matters.
The Tenets
The tenets translate the manifesto into guiding principles.
See:
The tenets act as ethical heuristics that guide decisions when systems fail.
Examples include:
- Authenticity Is Sacred
- People Are Not the Problem
- Care Comes Before Compliance
- Access Is a Practice
- Rest Is Not a Moral Failure
These principles shape how we think about systems, communities, and design.
The Creed
The creed describes personal commitments.
See:
The creed focuses on individual responsibility and practice.
It encourages participants to:
- presume competence
- center marginalized voices
- communicate clearly
- build with communities rather than for them
The creed shapes how individuals contribute to the Stimpunks ecosystem.
The Covenant
The covenant describes shared commitments within the community.
See:
The covenant emphasizes:
- relational responsibility
- collective care
- conflict navigation and repair
- mutual respect and belonging
Unlike rigid rules, the covenant is a living agreement that evolves over time.
Ethics and Design
The ethics of Stimpunks influence the design framework.
See:
For example:
| Ethical Principle | Design Implication |
|---|---|
| People Are Not the Problem | redesign environments |
| Access Is a Practice | iterative accessibility |
| Care Comes Before Compliance | regulation-first environments |
| Rest Is Not a Moral Failure | sustainable energy systems |
Ethics guide how patterns and environments are designed.
Ethics and Civilization
The ethical layer also shapes long-term visions for society.
See:
Designing environments that support diverse minds requires more than technical solutions.
It requires a culture that values:
- pluralism
- dignity
- belonging
Ethics provide the foundation for that culture.
