I'm curious about the moral arguments for and against downloading-- specifically for downloading games, images/data and applications for free when the creating company intended for all users to make a purchase. I don't care so much whether it's right or wrong-- but on what basis the moral arguments are to be made.
For example, how does the concept of social contract apply here? How are "right" and "wrong" defined in terms of data?
It seems to me that very many people do download things, and with a clean conscience, because they don't believe that any social contract exists, and that downloading is therefore a-moral rather than immoral. Ideas?
(And please don't just shout "Downloading is stealing!" I'm looking for a moral framework in which decisions can sensibly be made)
For example, how does the concept of social contract apply here? How are "right" and "wrong" defined in terms of data?
It seems to me that very many people do download things, and with a clean conscience, because they don't believe that any social contract exists, and that downloading is therefore a-moral rather than immoral. Ideas?
(And please don't just shout "Downloading is stealing!" I'm looking for a moral framework in which decisions can sensibly be made)