Discussion: It’s Not Stealing if You Pay For It, Is It?

General Discussion Instructions

In order to prepare for this assignment, READ the information contained in the document “Salty Pawz Background.”

You are required to post to this discussion THREE TIMES, on THREE DIFFERENT DAYS. Please refer to the Discussion Grading Rubric for details regarding how your performance will be assessed. NOTE: Please be certain to read the entire discussion assignment since in some cases there is more than one question you need to discuss, respond to, or address. Be sure that you have answered the entire question!

Post 1: Initial Post

This posting should be a minimum of one short paragraph and a maximum of two paragraphs. Word totals for this post should be in the 100–200-word range. Whether you agree or disagree, explain why with supporting evidence and concepts from the readings or a related experience. Include a reference, link, or citation when appropriate.

Scenario

On a Saturday, Wanda goes to the local farmers’ market to take a break from baking treats. While she is there, she sees a vendor with customers crowded around the stall. When she asks someone what all the excitement is about, a customer informs her that a woman who sells gourmet dog treats has just arrived, and if Wanda doesn’t get in line early, the woman will sell out. The customer goes on to tell Wanda that this vendor always sells out, and that since she has started buying these treats for her dogs, her dogs seem much healthier and happier. Wanda waits in line with the other customers.

When it’s Wanda’s turn, she engages the woman in conversation about the ingredients in her treats and her process for making them. The woman is very nice and actually shares a recipe with Wanda for a pumpkin peanut-butter dog biscuit that has always been one of her best-selling items. Wanda purchases one of each treat from the woman and takes the recipe when it is offered to her, never mentioning that she is in the same business. She plans to “reverse-engineer” the treats and test the new recipe out that very day.

For Discussion

  • Were Wanda’s actions unethical? Why or why not?
  • Write an argument that explains your views and discusses the ethical questions posed by Wanda’s actions.

Posts 2 and 3: Respond to Classmates’ Posts

Instructions

After you have created your initial post, look over the discussion posts of your classmates and give at least two thoughtful responses to two different classmates (one per classmate) as outlined in the Discussion Grading Rubric.

A response posting should be a minimum of one short paragraph. Word totals for these posts should be in the 75–100-word range. Whether you agree or disagree, explain why with supporting evidence and concepts from the readings or a related experience. Include a reference, link, or citation when appropriate. The goal of your response posts is to extend discussions already taking place or pose new possibilities or opinions not previously voiced. Your goal should be to motivate the group discussion and present a creative approach to the topic.