In Praise of Copying

In Praise of Copying examines the fundamental role of copying in human culture, nature, and the universe. Marcus Boon challenges traditional Western notions about originality and authenticity through a wide-ranging philosophical investigation. The book traces how the concept of original versus copy emerged in Western thought through Plato and Aristotle, leading to modern copyright law and industrial capitalism. It explores examples from diverse cultures, particularly Buddhist philosophy, to present alternative frameworks for understanding reproduction and authenticity. Boon demonstrates how copying exists at every level - from molecular biology to human learning to cultural production. The text connects contemporary debates about intellectual property with deeper questions about the nature of creativity and existence. The work suggests that the distinction between originals and copies is artificial, presenting a radical reframing of how society views authenticity, creativity, and ownership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Readers appreciate Boon's philosophical examination of copying as a fundamental human practice rather than just a legal/ethical issue. Many found value in his analysis of how copying manifests across culture, from fashion to Buddhism. Liked: - Deep research and historical context - Fresh perspective on a controversial topic - Clear writing despite complex concepts - Practical examples that ground the theory Disliked: - Dense academic language in some sections - Repetitive arguments - Some readers wanted more concrete conclusions - Several noted the book meanders without a clear destination A Goodreads reviewer wrote: "Makes you question assumptions about originality and authenticity in ways I hadn't considered." Another noted: "Gets bogged down in academic jargon when simpler explanations would work better." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (12 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (6 ratings)

The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction by Walter Benjamin Shows how mass reproduction technologies transform the nature of art and authenticity in modern culture.

Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard Examines how copies and reproductions have replaced originals in contemporary society, creating a world of simulations.

The Gift by Lewis Hyde Explores how creative works circulate as gifts in human cultures, challenging market-based concepts of ownership.

Two Bits: The Cultural Significance of Free Software by Christopher M. Kelty Analyzes how open source software culture redefines sharing, collaboration, and ownership in the digital age.

The Public Domain: Enclosing the Commons of the Mind by James Boyle Documents how expanding intellectual property rights restrict cultural copying and creativity that drove human innovation throughout history.

🔍 Buddhist philosophy played a major role in shaping Boon's perspective on copying, particularly the concept of "emptiness" which suggests nothing exists independently 📚 Marcus Boon is also a Professor of English at York University in Toronto, where he teaches contemporary literature and cultural theory 🌍 The book was published by Harvard University Press in 2010 and has been made freely available online under a Creative Commons license 🎵 Beyond his academic work, Boon has written extensively about experimental music and sound art, including the book "The Road of Excess: A History of Writers on Drugs" 🎨 The research for "In Praise of Copying" spanned diverse fields including biology, anthropology, fashion, and digital culture, taking over seven years to complete