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LostYonder wrote

As one who participates in the academic economy, admittedly, I'm on the fence with this.

First, it is not undermining the education system - in fact, just the opposite. If you go online you will discover that such services are a huge industry around the world! It reproduces structures of privilege, the reformation of the university as a site of neoliberalism, and undermines any vestiges of the university as a place of learning and sharing (which admittedly is quite limited to begin with, but there are some aspects of it that in fact hold much potential).

Second, it fosters entitlement and naturalizes cheating as a culturally acceptable practice. It allows students to learn how to take the easy way out of a situation rather than engage an issue.

Finally, it undermines the idea that learning is actually a social value. Yes, the university is not necessarily a site for true education, it is a hierarchical institution that serves special interests after all. But, there remain many possibilities for students to in fact experience and learn that they would not otherwise have the opportunity to. There remain many opportunities for not being part of the neoliberal institution and to connect with like-minded others (students and faculty) to advance true social engagement and learning.

All that being said, I think what is "ethical" is not based on some universal code, but rather on intentions and contexts. Given your situation, you have discovered a creative outlet that fulfills your needs. Through it, undoubtedly you may learn a lot by doing the assignments as well as provide a solid and stable income for yourself - and that shouldn't be minimized. Just don't do it with the assumption that you are undermining the university...

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videl wrote (edited )

undermines any vestiges of the university as a place of learning and sharing

Universities should lose their mythical status as a place of learning and sharing. So OP's action is undermining the education system.

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LostYonder wrote

Wishful thinking. Participating in education as a capitalist market place is hardly undermining...

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