Kathy Toner <ktoner@cats.ucsc.edu> wrote:
> We all rely on others' ideas, at least I do, and I don't always (but often
> do) footnote or reference, especially ideas that have been in the public
> domain for a long time,and researched and worked on by many...but when we
> are developing trainings esp. training products and using/selling these,
> when is it ethically acceptable to use ideas and not attribute? And when
> is it not acceptable?
Dear KATHY and other interested in 'referencing':
There is clearly a LEGAL position on this matter depending upon the
'jurisdiction' to which the vendor is subject and whether any 'immunities'
might apply.
There might also be an ETHICAL position as Kathy indictes. But, the
ethical position is never as clear as the legal position. Someone might be
violating one moral principle (e.g., always acknowledge others'
contributions) in the interest of upholding another moral principle (e.g.,
always share what you have). Again, there are cultural diversities
involved. In my culture, there is a principle: It doesn't matter how you
earn a living [pet pos, nahi dos]. Of course, this is not considered as an
absolute moral principle. It can be challenged within our culture, for
instance. Therefore, in order to discuss such principles, it might be
useful to conside the traditional distinction between a 'moral principle'
and an 'ethical principle'. However, I am not very keen at this moment to
take the discussion in that direction.
There is also another issue that pertains to RESEARCH and LEARNING. I
think I have something to say on this. I will keep it short and will
elaborate if there is an interest in the list. Traditionally, research was
visualised in a global way. Almost everybody could become part of it -- at
least in principle. A theory developed in the US could be tested in
Australia. This implied a global research community. The practice of
'referencing' might be seen as contributing to strengthen such a community
and ensure that research progress is not hindered. However, in a more
contemporary context, we are speaking of local 'LEARNING COMMUNITIES' --
and in principle there can be infinitely many such communities. We are not
sure if all the learning communities can be part of ONE global research
community. What sort of 'referencing' practice might be relevant in this
new context? I treat this as a question worth discussing.
DP
--"DP DASH" <dpdash@ximb.stpbh.soft.net>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>