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The Ethics of Peer-to-Peer File Sharing by Valerie L. Patterson, Ph.D. Core Values Citizenship, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility This module explores the multiple dimensions of peer-to-peer file sharing and downloading by exploring its impact on those who engage in this activity, the artists whose trademarked and copyrighted work is shared and policy makers who attempt to offer legislation to prevent this activity from occurring. Citizenship as a core value suggests involvement and participation in creating a society based upon democratic values such as the rule of law. This module allows students to examine the ramifications of violating laws that have been passed to protect copyrighted material. Honesty as a core value suggests truthfulness and sincerity. It also suggests that care will be taken to avoid lying, and being deceitful. This module allows students to interrogate peer-to-peer file sharing to determine if it is a form of stealing and the ethical implications of that fact. Many artists have started to request that their fans not share illegally obtained copies of their current projects or share unreleased music with others. This module will provide a forum where students can consider whether peer-to-peer file sharing violates the tenet of respect for others. In this module students will review cases where the issue of accountability and responsibility are central to peer-to-peer file sharing and downloading lawsuits.

The Ethics of Peer-to-Peer File Sharing

by Valerie L. Patterson, Ph.D.

Citizenship, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility

This module explores the multiple dimensions of peer-to-peer file sharing and downloading by exploring its impact on those who engage in this activity, the artists whose trademarked and copyrighted work is shared and policy makers who attempt to offer legislation to prevent this activity from occurring.
Citizenship as a core value suggests involvement and participation in creating a society based upon democratic values such as the rule of law. This module allows students to examine the ramifications of violating laws that have been passed to protect copyrighted material.
Honesty as a core value suggests truthfulness and sincerity. It also suggests that care will be taken to avoid lying, and being deceitful. This module allows students to interrogate peer-to-peer file sharing to determine if it is a form of stealing and the ethical implications of that fact.
Many artists have started to request that their fans not share illegally obtained copies of their current projects or share unreleased music with others. This module will provide a forum where students can consider whether peer-to-peer file sharing violates the tenet of respect for others.
In this module students will review cases where the issue of accountability and responsibility are central to peer-to-peer file sharing and downloading lawsuits.