Reply #179: just because computers are involved [View All]

[NJCher]

Doesn't mean it's a computer issue!

Indeed, what's so interesting about this issue is it requires us to think in new ways, due to the fact that we are presented with an unprecedented situation: the ability to make a perfect copy in only a short time.

Attribution theory states that we ascribe a motive--usually one that faults the person--rather than looks at other rationales. One can see that consistently on this thread.

People who are well-educated and who know about attribution theory thus do not ascribe motive to others. There is no way that you can get inside anyone's head and state for certainty what the motive is. You are completely out of line in saying that a person downloads from p2p networks simply because it is free. In fact, I think such a statement says more about you than it does others.

Attribution theory is a basic part of nearly all undergraduate education. I'm so sorry so many here missed it.

I teach it in the basic college freshman communications class. Others teach it in psychology and a few other disciplines. Somewhere along the line, you missed out.



Cher