C
CivisRomanusSum
Guest
Hi guys! I was wondering if it’s considered piracy (and consequently a sin) to download pdf files of academic material/writings. Take for example, selected readings and e-books from the internet. Thanks! 
- Status
H
Humupower
Guest
This depends. Taking academic materials can be stealing, unless you have a specific need to have it AND unless you go through official channels.
There are many materials that are free to access - these will generally be posted on the internet through a university site or on a public, government funded service. You can get access legitimately through many university and library settings, since such institutions pay for access to them for educational settings.
If you get these materials through a legitimate academic source such as a library or university, then it isn’t stealing because the institution has paid for access, and as a student, representative, or faculty you may use it. If you are getting it through a “pirate” site like pirate bay or something, then it is probably stealing.
There are many materials that are free to access - these will generally be posted on the internet through a university site or on a public, government funded service. You can get access legitimately through many university and library settings, since such institutions pay for access to them for educational settings.
If you get these materials through a legitimate academic source such as a library or university, then it isn’t stealing because the institution has paid for access, and as a student, representative, or faculty you may use it. If you are getting it through a “pirate” site like pirate bay or something, then it is probably stealing.
J
Joe_5859
Guest
It’s difficult to answer these questions with a universal answer. As Humupower said, it depends. Downloading a file is a morally neutral act. There is nothing intrinsically evil about it. What matters is whether one has permission to use it. If so, there is no problem. If not, then there is a problem.
If you have to use sketchy websites or questionable work-arounds in order to download these files, then that is likely a red flag. If not, then you’re probably fine.
If you have to use sketchy websites or questionable work-arounds in order to download these files, then that is likely a red flag. If not, then you’re probably fine.
S
SuscipeMeDomine
Guest
Not enough information to make a decision.Hi guys! I was wondering if it’s considered piracy (and consequently a sin) to download pdf files of academic material/writings. Take for example, selected readings and e-books from the internet. Thanks!
For example, academic libraries pay big bucks to license electronic books and journals. It’s not piracy to use them.
Other books and journals are published as open access works. Again it’s not piracy.
Faculty may put materials on electronic reserve. In order to do that they need permission or licensing. It’s not piracy to use them.
On the other hand, you know if you’re illegally or unethically accessing materials. You already know it’s wrong and don’t need someone else to tell you so.
- Status