The Philosophies and Arguments on File Sharing of Copyrighted Material

[JohnGaltsAxiom]

I need conceptual help on the philosophy of “file sharing of copyrighted material”.

Look, you know and I know that “file sharing” over the Internet is conducted by millions of people everyday. And it’s pretty simple to know as to what this “file sharing” is:

“File sharing is the practice of making files available for other users to download over the Internet and smaller networks. Usually file sharing follows the peer-to-peer (P2P) model, where the files are stored on and served by personal computers of the users. Most people who engage in file sharing are also downloading files that other users share. Sometimes these two activities are linked together. P2P file sharing is distinct from file trading in that downloading files from a P2P network does not require uploading, although some networks either provide incentives for uploading such as credits or force the sharing of files being currently downloaded.” -blah blah blah, Wikipedia

That’s the general idea of it all.

The question is why do some of the people that “share” files justify their actions for, at least, downloading files that are copyrighted?

Everyone knows what copyrighted files are. You know, you aren’t supposed to download any copyrighted file for free because it’s restrained for regulated “use of a particular expression of an idea or information” based on the sole provider’s rights. Alright.

I’m not from any government agency. I’m just a guy trying to figure out the just morality and ethicality of this whole debate from different perspectives. At first I thought it was blasphemy to go to thepiratebay.org and download a movie still playing in the theater. I’m still pretty stuck on that notion. I’m very curious, so what I’m trying to do is open a discussion that will bring all sorts of arguments collectively to this relative location.

Maybe you don't agree with downloading copyrighted files. Perhaps you download copyrighted material like a fiend still to this day, long after the Napster dilemma. Hey, if you think it should be a legal practice, but don’t do any downloading of the kind, then you can prose your argument too. I want to know why you do or do not. As far as the forum rule of law and I are concerned, all philosophies on this matter are able for intervention.
Now, argue and philosophize! (sophisticatedly)

[Hairbautt]

Freedom of Information. That's what I tell myself.

[trevorob]

I like to share my Information,as humans we are to share are we not.

[JohnGaltsAxiom]

Sure, I can see how you would think that "freedom of information" as a key to this 'downloading judgement'. Though, have you thought of an impact where no one shares information? This is very interesting. Thanks for the response, and keep it coming, please!

[Hairbautt]

You can also go on the "Robin Hood" kinda thing, where office programs such as M$'s are too expensive for some college students - so they look for free versions. I see it all the time where I am at...

Steal from the rich, give to the poor. Something like that

[JohnGaltsAxiom]

I like to share my Information,as humans we are to share are we not.

Do we as humans share tangible information for enjoyment, or do we exchange it for compensation?

[Hairbautt]

Now this is just getting too complicated, I'm off to rip Shakira's new album.

[JohnGaltsAxiom]

Just so no one accuses me of being a self-promoting jerk. Here is what someone had said about me on another forum.

you are being watched Slyckites

http://digg.com/political_opinion/Sl...uestioning_P2P

http://ashtoniandemocracy.blogspot.c...-commence.html

How orcgestrated for self-publicity! :evil:

Thanks for the find though.

Go here to fully understand what is going on: http://ashtoniandemocracy.blogspot.c...-commence.html

No, I don't care how many hits I get at that site because no one would go there otherwise.

Now this is just getting too complicated, I'm off to rip Shakira's new album.

No!!! Just sit and think. Answer honestly as best as you can.

We can settle this debate--in time!

You can also go on the "Robin Hood" kinda thing, where office programs such as M$'s are too expensive for some college students - so they look for free versions. I see it all the time where I am at...

Steal from the rich, give to the poor. Something like that

Whether or not you think you're Robin Hood, and you think the law of the land is reprehensible, it's still illegal to do what the fictional character of Robin Hood did in the lands of the King of England or what ever.

Plus, Robin Hood was doing it for the poor as an aid to help them survive under tyranny from the government. Robin Hood was an outlaw.

"Stealing" or "sharing" the latest 50 cent album for the public is hardly related to Robin Hood's fictional situation.

[Hairbautt]

Did you understand my post? Cause I'm thinkin' you didn't; Also, 50 cent album? I was talking software.

I'm not Robin Hood, no.

[maxehhh]

Freedom of Information. That's what I tell myself.

That's it, not all the countries have the same people or money to buy what they want... (M$ and example)