On the Idea of Owning Ideas: the philosophical foundations of intellectual property - Softcover

Spitzlinger, Roland

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3639228014 ISBN 13: 9783639228014

Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2010

Synopsis

The recent proliferation of intellectual property has caused much public disagreement over the nature and legitimacy of owning immaterial goods. How is it that we believe in ownership of intangible, abstract goods like music, software and design, and even colors and smells? Who came up with the idea of legally owning ideas, and which rationales are behind it? The author, Roland Spitzlinger, investigates the philosophical foundation and legitimacy of intellectual property rights. He takes the reader back to the historical roots of patents in the sixth century B.C.E. and asks if traditional property regimes can really be extended to non-material goods. What can we learn from arguments proposed by John Locke, G.W.F. Hegel and Jean-Jacques Rousseau and how could their thoughts help to better understand the ongoing dispute between supporters and critics of patent and copyright law today? This book is aimed at those interested in the philosophical discussion of intellectual property rights, a concept that has entered all aspects of modern life and which is likely to cause ever growing social and political disturbance in the years to come.

About this title

About the Author

born December 5, 1977, is a PhD candidate in philosophy at Univ. of Vienna, Austria. His research interests include media and property theory, and the foundations of economic thought. Before studying philosophy he received his Master's degree in int. business, innovation management at Univ. of Applied Sciences Kufstein.

Edition details

• Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 3639228014
• ISBN 13: 9783639228014
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 116