Plagiarism

Plagiarism

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Plagiarism is a distinguished sounding word. One would almost think that it sounds like some lofty philosophical ideal named for the great Greek teacher Plagiarus, something to be aspired to. This is not so. Plagiarism is in fact a moral misdemeanor, and an academic felony. By definition, plagiarism is "a piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and is presented as being your own work." Socrates, Plato and Aristotle would have frowned on such a practice, and "Plagiarus" would have been kicked out of the academy. Such is the fate of many college students today.

Plagiarism exists in greater and lesser forms. It can range anywhere from copying a phrase without giving credit, to copying entire works and submitting them under ones own name. In Steven Wilhoit’s book "Helping Students Avoid Plagiarism", several forms of plagiarism are outlined:

•Buying a paper from research service or term paper mill.

•Turning in another student's work without that student’s knowledge.

•Turning in a paper a peer has written for the student.

•Copying a paper from a source text without proper acknowledgment.

•Paraphrasing materials from a source text without appropriate documentation.

The Internet has made simple an additional type of plagiarism:

•Turning in a paper from a "free term paper" website.

Students throughout the ages have faced the moral dilemma of turning in an original piece, or borrowing someone else’s words. There are many reasons to be tempted into dishonesty. Perhaps one is unsure of his or her writing skill, or knowledge in the subject matter. Maybe there are pressures of time, or the need to get a good grade. The advent of th...

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...ndation of plagiarized works is not going to be of as great a service to the community in which he or she serves. Nor are the moral standards of such a person desirable in the workplace. I would never enlist the services of a professional knowing that he or she had, in effect, stolen part of his or her professional degree, and did not actually obtain the knowledge that was prescribed as part of his or her certificate. I would hope that such a person was caught at this long before he was my Doctor, Banker or Mechanic.

Because of the advances in information technology, I am of the opinion that every incoming freshman should complete an assignment on plagiarism. I myself have gained awareness in so doing, and have a greater appreciation of the temptations faced by students as well as the frustrations faced by educators. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle would be proud.