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Posted 10/08/09
Dartmouth Graduate Ethics Seminar
Aine Donovan, case author
Spring 2004
Hanover, NH
Kirk is a first year graduate student at Benificent College. Kirk chose BC, in large part, because of Professor Jorge Murphy’s reputation as a Kant scholar. Professor Murphy has written several significant books on Kant and, although still relatively young, is considered one of the leading experts on Kant. Professor Murphy carefully balances a list of extensive speaking invitations, new research, and a full teaching load. A priority for Professor Murphy is working with talented young graduate students who will share in his love of Kantian philosophy and assist in contributing new interpretations of those ideas. Therefore, he was delighted to accept Kirk into the masters program; he had rarely experienced the enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity that Kirk displayed.
After working with Professor Murphy for a couple of months, Kirk’s relationship with his advisor evolved into a warm and relaxed friendship. One winter evening, as they shared a few beers at the local pub, they began to discuss Kant’s poker playing and its potential effects on his moral philosophy. After a few more beers they had developed the outline of an engaging article. Professor Murphy sketched out a few ideas on the cocktail napkin as he and Kirk chatted. Several times during the conversation Professor Murphy said that they needed to publish this in Ethics, a significant journal in the field of moral philosophy.
Kirk was thrilled with the prospect of serving as co-author in a respected journal, with his mentor and friend. A few weeks after the initial conversation about Kant’s poker playing, Professor Murphy mentioned to Kirk that he would like him to read the draft of the article he had written and would be soon sending to the journal. No mention of co-authorship was given, and Kirk was deeply troubled. He had equal partnership in developing the outline of the article and felt strongly that he was entitled to co-authorship. He had recently accepted an invitation to spend the winter holidays with Professor Murphy and his family at their Florida vacation home, but now he was reconsidering whether he wanted to spend time with someone who had stolen his work. What should he do?
SUGGESTED QUESTIONS FOR FACILITATORS
What is the ethical issue involved in this case?
Intellectual property is the first issue that jumps out from the case. Who owns this idea? Could it be the case that as Murphy’s student Kirk does not “own” any ideas that are generated by his professor/ advisor? A second ethical issue involves the blurring of professional lines between professor and student. A complication to this case is the friendship that has developed between teacher and student.
Was Professor Murphy within his rights to publish the article without citing Kirk as co-author? Could Kirk have beat him to the finish and published it first, and have been within his rights?
What might Kirk have done?
What should Kirk do now that the article is being submitted for publication?
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