Reflection Of Cheating Letter By H. J. Morowitz

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When I discovered that our first paper was going to be a reflection to reflection to a letter between a teacher and student about plagiarism, I thought about what a teacher’s letter to a cheating student might look like. Words of disappointment and details of punishment were what came to my mind. Then I read the letter by H.J. Morowitz. Needless to say, it was not what I expected. My first surprise came from Morowitz’ tone in the letter. He does not demean or chastise his student. Instead, he gives the student some insight as to who the rightful author of the paper was – a man Morowitz personally knew and greatly admired. Morowitz explains that this man was tormented by the lack of recognition and respect his work received by his peers. Though there were scholars such as Morowitz who acknowledged his contribution to the …show more content…
Perhaps the best part of this chapter, though, is the preface to the letter and the ending of the letter itself. Before the letter begins, Morowitz states his views as a teacher who discovers a student’s plagiarism: “One of the most painful aspects of being a teacher is to catch a student cheating. The more optimistic among us try to reform the offender and set him on a firmer path.” Morowitz tries to show his student that there is a silver lining to here. In the last paragraph of the letter, Morowitz suggests that perhaps fate played a role in this students life: “I have personally been enriched by having known a very, very honest seeker of knowledge, and by your actions you have come to experience his influence. Coincidence is a fickle agent, and the more mystical among us would feel that the fates were acting herein to redirect your life. Let us just say that you are very fortunate to have this model set before you.” Morowitz’ wisdom shines through these words – he wants his student to not merely be punished, but to truly understand and grow from his

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