That might be true or at least plausible if, in order to have a basis, plagiarism would have to stand on some philosophical ground.

这么说也许是对的，至少是有一定道理的：如果是为了找出一个基础，剽窃问题就必须有一定的哲学依据。

youdao

That might be true or at least plausible if, in order to have a basis, plagiarism would have to stand on some philosophical ground. But the ground plagiarism stands on is more mundane and firm;

这么说也许是对的，至少是有一定道理的：如果是为了找出一个基础，剽窃问题就必须有一定的哲学依据。

youdao

Rainer Arnold, defence expert with the opposition Social Democrats (SPD), told German media that if the accusations of plagiarism were found to be true, then Mr zu Guttenberg would lose all credibility "and a minister who's lost his credibility can't really work any more".

BBC: German minister denies plagiarism on PhD thesis