1. What are the ethical implications of self plagiarism as opposed to plagiarizing the work of another?
Among the ethical approaches presented in the article written by Beth Dixon (2003), there are certain differences between the possible ways of treating plagiarism. In each of them it is possible to find an answer to the question of self plagiarism implications. For instance, in the virtue ethics offered by Aristotle, dishonesty is considered to be vice, which is why students should decide for themselves, whether to live their lives adhering to high moral standards, or to be dishonest. In the theory of ethical relativism plagiarism can be justified, as it is recognized as a variant of culture that is worth practicing in its social context. Still, Dr. Dixon (2003) says that theory isn’t worth consideration, as it is not a real normative theory.
The theory of utilitarianism plagiarism is justified if it considered moral to cheat in certain situations. In this case self plagiarism has the same implications as plagiarizing works of the other authors. In the ethics of care, self plagiarism is considered to be immoral, as in here only plagiarism from book with a view of helping oneself is recognized and justified (Laura Gurak, 2010). In the Kantian ethics there is nothing particularly said about self plagiarism, as mostly it is dedicated to the problems of stealing works from other people, which is particularly emphasized. Plagiarizing works of others in this case is completely immoral and is equal to stealing other kinds of people’s property (Dixon, 2003).
2. Ethically, is there a difference?
Ethically, there are both differences and similarities. First of all, it is similar in the fact that it is a kind of dishonesty with all the corresponding implications. At the same time, two kinds of plagiarism represent different kinds of dishonesty – in relation to oneself and to other people. The theories presented by Dixon (2003) show more attention to the dishonesty to other people, although in the virtue ethics, for instance, it is clearly shown that there is no actual difference between these types of plagiarism.
1. Why bother registering a copyright?
2. How involved is the process to register?
The registration procedure is not too complicated and is clearly explained in the Copyright Basics (2008) document provided at the official website of the US Copyright Office. In order to do it, first of all, it is necessary to submit the application form, then a nonrefundable filing fee and a deposit that is nonreturnable, which is a copy of the registered work. There are different ways of submission of the required documents, and it is not too difficult to find out what you need to send to the Copyright Office.
3. Was there anything that surprised you about the process?
What surprised me about the process is its relative simplicity and that there are differences as to the period of time, in which registration was completed. I am pleased to know that the Government made this process rather easy and acceptable to everyone interested.
4. Are there specific works you’ve already created that might be wise to register?
So far, I haven’t created such works that could be of interest to general public, which is why I don’t think it is necessary to register copyright for them.
5. If not, what types of works do you foresee creating that would make registration worth it?
I think that in future I have plenty of opportunities to create works that will be worth copyright registration. I believe that it can be some literary work.
References
Dixon, B. (2003). Ethics and Plagiarism: a simplified review. Retrieved from http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/holly.hellerross/ethics_and_plagiarism.htm
Laura Gurak, J. M. (2010). Strategies For Technical Communication in the Workplace. Boston: Longman.
US Copyright Office. (2008). Copyright Basics. Retrieved from http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.pdf
