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Channelling Miss De Vine
Jul. 31st, 2006 04:45 pmPlagiarism is in the news at the moment. I note with interest the defence given by the morally bankrupt Mr Littlewood, proprietor of a company that pays intellectual whores to write essays for cheating students.
Universities and exam watchdogs say the companies are encouraging people to cheat and undermining the UK's academic record. But Mr Littlewood said: "We always tell students to check their university guidelines. We say take a common-sense approach. You have to use it like you would any other source. The essay is a starting point. You use it to build a new argument you haven't thought of before. We do the sifting out for you. We're also showing how to write a great essay."
This argument strikes me as similar to drug-dealers claiming “Yes, I sell rohypnol to single men going into clubs to pick up women, but it’s up to them how they choose to use it. Most of my clients are honourable men who use it sensibly by offering it to their consenting partners to help them relax”*.
In the philosophy of You Reap What You Sow, I hope all concerned end up treated by nurses and doctors, and especially dentists, who used their services.
*Spot that my noble intentions negate any moral responsibility for the consequences if my judgement is incorrect.
Universities and exam watchdogs say the companies are encouraging people to cheat and undermining the UK's academic record. But Mr Littlewood said: "We always tell students to check their university guidelines. We say take a common-sense approach. You have to use it like you would any other source. The essay is a starting point. You use it to build a new argument you haven't thought of before. We do the sifting out for you. We're also showing how to write a great essay."
This argument strikes me as similar to drug-dealers claiming “Yes, I sell rohypnol to single men going into clubs to pick up women, but it’s up to them how they choose to use it. Most of my clients are honourable men who use it sensibly by offering it to their consenting partners to help them relax”*.
In the philosophy of You Reap What You Sow, I hope all concerned end up treated by nurses and doctors, and especially dentists, who used their services.
*Spot that my noble intentions negate any moral responsibility for the consequences if my judgement is incorrect.