| Type of Document |
Master's Thesis |
| Author |
Morrissey, Michael
|
| Author's Email Address |
gdoghomes@gmail.com |
| URN |
etd-07032012-160303 |
| Title |
An Alternative to Intellectual Property Theories of Locke and Utilitarian Economics |
| Degree |
Master of Arts (M.A.) |
| Department |
Philosophy & Religious Studies |
| Advisory Committee |
| Advisor Name |
Title |
| Rocha, James |
Committee Member |
| Roland, Jeffrey |
Committee Member |
| Song, Edward |
Committee Member |
|
| Keywords |
- Locke
- economics
- utiltiarianism
- virtue theory
- intellectual property
|
| Date of Defense |
2012-04-02 |
| Availability |
unrestricted |
Abstract
In this paper, I examine two standard theories of intellectual property, voice criticisms of each theory from within their own perspectives, and offer an alternative approach to intellectual property. In the first chapter, I explicate Locke’s original property theory and provide a modern account of Lockean intellectual property as an extension of the original theory. I argue this extension is not compatible with Locke’s original thought on property rights. In the second chapter, I dissect the mainstream economic approach to intellectual property, an approach which employs utilitarianism to justify the intellectual property regime of first world, western nations. I argue that this mainstream utilitarian economic approach fails to satisfy the principle of utility. Lastly, I offer a sketch of an alternative theory or perspective on intellectual property based on the notion of human flourishing. I argue that our obligations to develop and use our minds are so extensive that exclusive claim-type intellectual property rights are not possible.
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| Files |
| Filename |
Size |
Approximate Download Time
(Hours:Minutes:Seconds)
|
| 28.8 Modem |
56K Modem |
ISDN (64 Kb) |
ISDN (128 Kb) |
Higher-speed Access |
| |
morrisseythesis.pdf |
375.51 Kb |
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00:00:53 |
00:00:46 |
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