If a paper is accepted to a scientific blind-refreed journal, does that mean it does not have any plagiarism?

Question

Hey,

Suppose that I have written a scientific article in the field of humanities. I have tried to read several books and articles on the field and tried to cite all the works I used. Then I sent it to a refreed journal in which two or more scientists working in the area of my paper approved it saying that it can be published in the journal.

Now, does that mean that my paper doesn't have any plagiarism? Are those people checking whether I have plagiarized or not? Or are they ignoring the plagiarism thing and focusing on my message only?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Surely you should know if you plagiarised? They may recognise if you plagiarise, but they may not know every single article in the field, it depends what their area of expertise is. I think that if you have plagiarised though, it is likely that someone may recognise this when it has been published as someone who is an expert is likely to read your article and notice. By sending in your article you have claimed that they are your ideas (expect for those you have referenced). If you think you have plagiarised (or know you have), you are better owning up to it now, or just taking back your permission for them to publish it.

At the end of the day, just reference as you go in future and make sure you keep really good notes on where you got inspiration for your oown ideas so you can go back and check where your ideas start and theirs end if you're not sure.