SOUTH PARK VS. METALLICA … AND INJUSTICE FOR SOME
SOUTH PARK VS. METALLICA … AND INJUSTICE FOR SOME
Author(s): Radu UszkaiSubject(s): Music, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Criminology, ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Sociology of Art
Published by: SACRI – Societatea Academica de Cercetare a Religiilor si Ideologiilor
Keywords: South Park; Metallica; Napster; piracy; copyright; peer-to-peer file sharing;
Summary/Abstract: The aim of the following paper is that of revisiting the philosophical implications of the famous legal battle between Metallica and Napster starting from its depiction in one of South Park’s most famous episode from the 7th season, “Christian Rock Hard”. Taking place in the year 2000, at the brink of a new millennium and fueled by a revolution in information technology (i.e. peer-to-peer file sharing), this famous trial and its depiction represent one of the most iconic moments in the history of copyright infringement within pop culture and what I consider to be a necessary point of reference for scholars interested in the ethics of copyright and digital media piracy. I will begin with brief overview of the episode, followed by a short presentation of Metallica’s ethical arguments against Napster and music piracy. The last part of the paper will be dedicated to an attempt at refuting those arguments and a vindication of South Park.
Journal: Revista de Filosofie Aplicata
- Issue Year: 4/2021
- Issue No: 6
- Page Range: 3-20
- Page Count: 18
- Language: English