Why is copying bad?

Before discussing the question we must set a definition on what is copying. Here is what wikipedia says about copying:

Copying is the duplication of information or an artifact based only on an instance of that information or artifact, and not using the process that originally generated it. With analog forms of information, copying is only possible to a limited degree of accuracy, which depends on the quality of the equipment used and the skill of the operator. With digital forms of
information, perfect copying is not only possible, but is, almost by definition, the norm. Copy and paste is frequently used for information a computer user selects and copies to an area he or she wishes.

Here it means that the person who copies does not need to go through the process through which the the item was genarated but yet enjoys the same result. On an ideal world this is no problem. As the creator would not bother for earthly gain out of his creation. And of course would care a damn if somebody else gets unjustified gain out of his hard work. He will rather be busy creating new things. But in this world creator often wants gain out of his creation. And from materialistic point of view, this may be justified too. So the question whether we should let people copy or not boils down to how much ideal we think the world is.

:)

- Joydip Datta (09305014)