I think the notion that the scientific community is mostly "intelligent and idealistic" is a stretch. The commercial pressures are as intense there (if not more

I think the notion that the scientific community is mostly "intelligent and idealistic" is a stretch. The commercial pressures are as intense there (if not more?), as everywhere else in society. I also think this has given rise to a mentality where it's socially acceptable to "get away" with as much as possible. If you can do a big tax dodge and get away with, why not? If you can secure a great schooling for your kids by paying under the table for private tutors, why not? If you can have your house cleaned cheaply by a non-registered immigrant, why not? This mentality permeates all parts of our culture, and in academia with the "publish or perish" pressure, I could easily see why you would try to pass off someone else's work as your own. It's sad times all around.