Deck 25: A Defense of Stealing E-Books

Question 1

Forcehimes doesn't say much about copyright restrictions on works by (recently) deceased authors. In light of his arguments, do you think there's a good reason for maintaining copyright restrictions once an author is deceased? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Examine various considerations that might be relevant to the value of copyright restrictions for deceased authors.
Include a thesis that's focused and appropriate given the assignment.
Clearly and succinctly state the main argument for the thesis.
Correctly identify and defend the argument's controversial premises using sound reasoning, well-chosen examples, insightful analogies, etc.

Question 2

In a passing remark, Forcehimes says that textbooks might be unlike other academic books, which generally are not written for profit. In your view, is there anything special about textbooks to suggest that it is OK to download them (or not)? Explain your position.

Answer 2

Include a thesis that's focused and appropriate given the assignment.
Clearly and succinctly state the main argument for the thesis.
Correctly identify and defend the argument's controversial premises using sound reasoning, well-chosen examples, insightful analogies, etc.

Question 3

The argument against stealing e-books that Forcehimes engages with focuses on the issue of authors' incentives. Are there other reasons to think stealing e-books might be wrong? Are these reasons convincing, and do they apply to public libraries?

Answer 3

Include a thesis that's focused and appropriate given the assignment.
Clearly and succinctly state the main argument for the thesis.
Correctly identify and defend the argument's controversial premises using sound reasoning, well-chosen examples, insightful analogies, etc.

Question 4

Forcehimes argues that stealing e-books is ________ because it is morally ________ to the practices of public libraries.

A) Permissible / equivalent
B) Permissible / dissimilar
C) Neutral / incomparable
D) Wrong / equivalent
E) Wrong / dissimilar

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a reason that Forcehimes mentions in favor of public libraries' sharing copyrighted material?

A) No one should lack free access to information due to circumstances beyond their control
B) Freely available information allows citizens to hold their government accountable
C) Making information freely available to all lessens inequalities due to privilege
D) Access to public libraries thwart propaganda, silencing of dissent, and information distortion
E) Widespread sharing of information brings about overall economic gains

Question 6

Which of the following is the primary reason in favor of copyright restrictions, according to Forcehimes?

A) Such restrictions make sure authors have incentive to produce books
B) Such restrictions ensure that authors do not lose the work they've created
C) Such restrictions guarantee that the publishing industry will remain profitable
D) Such restrictions make sure that people do not acquire things they haven't earned
E) Such restrictions make sure that libraries have access to published materials

Question 7

A good is best described as ________ if one person's use of it has no effect on its availability for others.

A) Nonrivalrous
B) Nonfungible
C) Nonnegotiable
D) Nonrefundable
E) Nonessential

Question 8

Forcehimes thinks his case for stealing e-books most forcefully applies to stealing what kinds of books?

A) Academic books
B) Textbooks
C) Works of fiction
D) Comic books
E) Self-published books

Question 9

Forcehimes' argument is largely based on what kind of considerations?

A) Economic
B) Aesthetic
C) Property rights
D) Legal
E) Interpersonal

Question 10

Which of the following claims does Forcehimes deny?

A) Stealing e-books always deprives their authors of income
B) Downloading e-books from unauthorized sources is a kind of theft
C) People's right to their private property should be protected
D) Public libraries' sharing copyrighted content is morally permissible
E) Access to certain information trumps copyright

Question 11

According to Forcehimes, earning royalties is ________ of publishing.

A) Always the primary goal
B) Often a secondary goal
C) Unrelated to the act
D) The least important goal
E) Never the goal

Question 12

According to one objection Forcehimes considers, stealing e-books is wrong because its effect on the publishing business is ultimately to ________:

A) Decrease the profitability of publishing
B) Make the production of books less secure
C) Reduce authors' income from royalties
D) Harm e-book users economically
E) Put individual publishers out of work

Question 13

Put very broadly, the reason why public libraries should make copyrighted material available to the general public is that it will ________:

A) Benefit society overall
B) Not harm publishers
C) Not harm authors
D) Inspire new authors
E) Strengthen our moral resolve