Question

Term paper ghostwriting is surely not a new idea. But doing it on the scale of big business—with advertisements in college newspapers, branch offices, and a stable of writers—is. It is possible today to buy a term paper on virtually any subject, complete with footnotes and bibliography. Some companies even offer tailor-made papers. You see an opportunity and want to start your own similar business.

Identify and explain a critique that one might make to the decision her theory leads to in this case or in general about this ethical theory.

Answer 1

Ghost writer is defined as a professional writer who is employed to write works for which he will not receive any credit instead will remain anonymous and the credit will go to someone else. It is more like a business transaction. The hirer usually pays to the ghost writer and assumes all the credits of his work.

Considering the ethical principles, Ghost writing can also be a form of plagiarism since copying the entire work of someone and publishing in other's name is defined as plagiarism. The consequences of ghost writing can be best observed in the field of academics and especially in research setting which could affect more adversely the health sector. Many university students are graduated with the firm support of ghost writers even in publication of thesis.

Another important aspect is medical ghost writing. Articles written by medical writers are published in medical journals and it definitely affect the decision making in healthcare settings. Therefore these articles have advertising potential which again get utilised by ghost writers. They usually exaggerate qualities of the product and omit disadvantages or limitations of the product and that too without the name of manufacturer. It also points out the importance of the need of transparency in the area of medical research and importance of authorship while publishing a book.