[classicsnoot]

Apply this logic (ill gotten gains is the term you used, but I interpret it as a coded way to say value created by immoral actors) to technology and it suddenly becomes a little more complicated.

The scary prospect, from my perspective, is that cultural erasure on moral grounds is not only possible, it could be inevitable and lead to a chain reaction. From the statue removal in the US (easily justifiable considering the circumstances of their placement) to the college course alteration and removal in certain South African universities (justifiable under Socially Just interpretations) to the discrediting and forced reinterpretation of scientific theory (IQ studies, intelligent design inclusion, inherent sex disparity, evolutionary genetics), it would appear there may in fact be a reduced friction gradient that isn't wholly fallacious. If some pernicious pedophile develops a cure for cancer, I'm not going to consider for even a second whether or not I am going to use it.

[hath995]

If some pernicious pedophile develops a cure for cancer, it would be morally wrong not to use it. However, if that particular pedophile should profit from it is an entirely separate question. Patents and copyrights are a government given right and they can be removed. Actions have consequences.

[dsajames]

100%. Said pedophile's cure should be used far and wide. I am 100% certain inventions used widely today have been made by pedophiles.

If the person is convicted, their assets can be siezed and they can be imprisoned. This is not the same as allowing them to continue to benefit by refusing to prosecute, which is what happened in the past.

[zimpenfish]

> 100% certain inventions used widely today have been made by pedophiles

Gill Sans, for example, created by https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Gill

> His personal diaries reveal that his religious beliefs did not limit his sexual activity which included several extramarital affairs, incest with his two eldest teenage daughters, incestuous relationships with his sisters, and sexual acts on his dog.

[leetcrew]

i don't really think your pernicious pedophile is a good example of ill-gotten gains.

a crime lord who makes $10mm through illegal ventures has no claim to that money once they are convicted. the money was made illegitimately, so the government can just take it. your pedophile, on the other hand, has done one great thing and one terrible thing for/to society. I don't think that means it should be the purview of the patent office to punish them. instead, why not give them a fine proportional to the offense (ie huge) in addition to jail time and let them use most or all of the profits to pay it?

[kstenerud]

So, someone who commits a crime should not reap the rewards of unrelated activity?

Seriously... Am I even talking to a member of the free world?

[hath995]

Maybe try not raping or abusing people or other illegal activities and don't suffer economic punishment?

[NeedMoreTea]

Without limit? Everyone has broken a law at some point.

Economic confiscations are supposed to take the proceeds of crime, not erase everything you've ever done and remove any chance of you earning again. Where is rehabilitation in your "justice"?

No point rehabilitating, or having a change of heart is there? May as well make the sentence for every crime or misdemeanour a whole life tariff.

[kstenerud]

I'm... At a loss for words.

Do you not trust your own justice system?

[okmokmz]

I do not necessarily agree with the person you are replying too, but I also do not trust the American justice system