Utilitarism Case

"Napster`s Lost Revolution." Using act utilitarianism only, explain whether or not it is ethical to download music without paying for it and without the authorization of the party that holds the copyright. Be sure to list both benefits and burdens and describe "the majority".

Based on the act utilitarianism according to which our responsibility is to act in a way that will result in a better consequences than any other act will produce, it is ethical to download music without paying for it and without the authorization of the party that holds the copyrights.

Napster`s Lost Revolution case shows many positive aspects that downloading a music is ethical. First, it is not affecting the orginal. Recipients are maximizing their positive outcomes by accessing software and getting the free music that will cost them money in the stores. Second, it is musician`s responsibility to make sure that copyrights are protected sufficiently. Software users have right to get goods and services in most efficient way possible. Third, music belongs to everyone, so everyone have right to make a use of available software and enjoy music for free if the producers didn't think about proper protection.

On the other hand, by using software to download music for free is violating musician`s rights and copyrights laws. Any songs or clips are consider as property and belongs to their makers. Young people, by accessing it from illegal software are breaking this clearly regulated rule.

In a conclusion, keeping in mind act utilitarianism doctrine of consequence maximization it is ethical to download music without paying for it.