The question posed by this week's discussion in MAIS 606 asks "Does plagiarism include your own work? In other words, can you plagiarize yourself? Why?" 

When it comes to using your own ideas and original work, it's important to understand where the line between originality and plagiarism lies. In my view, self-plagiarism can occur within an academic setting when individuals reuse their previously published or submitted work without proper citation or contextualization. For example, if I were to submit an assignment containing material I've previously published or submitted without acknowledging it, that would constitute self-plagiarism — essentially passing off old work as something new.

On the other hand, it's entirely acceptable to leverage your own original work, but it's essential to exercise due diligence by appropriately citing or disclosing the source. In a world where genuine originality is increasingly elusive, we should have the freedom to utilize our thoughts, ideas, and opinions. However, just like any form of intellectual property, we must protect ourselves. In the case of self-plagiarism, citing your previous work serves as that protection. By doing so, you eliminate any room for misinterpretation, ensuring that your work remains free from any accusation of cheating or copying.

In research and writing, it's my prerogative to use our ideas and opinions. Proper citation safeguards both the integrity and the right to build upon our own intellectual foundations.