Re: Morality and Pirated Software

>>Many times our perception is governed by what side of the fence we are =
on rather than an unchanging sense of right and wrong.<<

That's called human nature.  We are all products of our environment, and =
we will all do whatever is necessary to survive.  Often the more dire the =
situation, the more feasible normally irrational things will seem as =
methods to survival.  Does the risk justify the spoils?  The answer to =
that will ALWAYS depend on your current situation.

If you are living paycheck to paycheck (something I'm quite familiar =
with), then robbing a convenience store is a risk that you're just not =
willing to take (most often).  However, if you're on the verge of not only =
unemployment, but possible eviction by your landlord and having to live on =
the streets (fortunately something I haven't had to tackle in my life), =
then robbing that convenient store seems a much more viable option.

I realize that there are quite a few generalizations in what I've said, =
but in my experience this is how people seem to react to situation change.

>>Ultimately right is right and wrong is wrong, regardless of how it is =
sugar coated or packaged.<<

In an ideal world, I would agree with you.  But as well all know, we don't =
live in that world.  Is killing someone wrong?  Most would answer yes, but =
the law says that if the killing occured in absolute self-defense, then it =
is justified.  But is the act of murder still wrong?

>>OK... there... that's my $.02 worth for what it's worth.<<

It's worth quite a bit to me, as I love to hear every viewpoint!  Thank =
you for sharing yours!  I know that mine contained quite a few generalizati=
ons, and if I have offended anyone, I do apologize.  These are just my =
viewpoints, and I thought I could share them with everyone :o)  I'd love =
to hear others!

Martin Clifford
Homepage: http://www.completesource.net
Developer's Forums: http://www.completesource.net/forums/

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