Assignment task:
This week, you will compose a journal entry reflecting on your experiences and how it has influenced your thinking on the following questions/scenarios:
Discuss the importance of protecting intellectual property and the ethical implications of fair use and sustained innovation.
Specifically:
Recall from your reading this week that the founding fathers of the United States included copyright protections in Article I Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. Clearly, it has been an important element of economic growth and property rights since the nation's beginning; however, some have argued that IP rights limit fair use and can stifle innovation. One example of a modern computer ethics IP issue presented in your readings this week that calls this into question is the concept of reverse engineering. As stated in the textbook, Microsoft has at times been accused of this activity, including in its development of the Windows operating system and Office applications.
Answer the following questions as you develop your thoughts and compose a journal entry on the topic:
a. Do you agree with the framers of the U.S. Constitution that Intellectual Property is a fundamental right and was an important protection for a new country? Why or why not?
b. Have you ever downloaded "pirated" or illegally obtained music or movies?
C. Whether you have or have not, do you believe that such activity constitutes an infringement on someone's intellectual property? How would you feel it was music you composed, or an app you developed that others were stealing?
d. If Microsoft is guilty of reverse engineering, did they engage in unethical practices? Or did they engage in activity that fostered innovation and improved peoples' lives? Is it unethical regardless?