Theories of Authorship

Theories of authorship explore who is responsible for creating a work and how their identity influences its meaning. Some focus on the individual creator as the primary author, emphasizing personal intent and originality. Others see the work as shaped by social, cultural, or collaborative contexts, viewing authorship as a shared or constructed process. Rights, moral claims, and recognition also factor into how we define authorship. Overall, these theories help us understand whether the creator’s personal identity, societal influences, or collective efforts are most central to the significance and ownership of a work.