Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Ethics Question

In my apartment complex we have big collection day on the last friday of the month. Basically they want us to save the Big Items like TV's and other furniture until then. Once the day comes we put them out on this little Island in the middle of the parking lot and wait for the trash man to pick them up. Well we are having a yardsale next week end. I woke up early today (cause the baby was hungry) but I rolled the trash to the sidewalk. My neighbor was out there and was throwing away a rough looking crafts table. I asked if I could have it and of course she said yes. I mean why not she didnt want it and was throwing it away. Well when I took it from her I saw two TV's in the pile. I asked her if they worked and she said they were not hers. So I brought them in my Garage to see if they work (still havent done that yet). So here is the question: If the TV's work is it ethical for me to sale them at my yardsale? Please leave any comments before this Saturday.
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5 comments:

  1. SamMarch 25, 2009 at 11:33 AM

    Is the question that you are asking: Did I steal the TVs or is it wrong to for me to sell them when I got them for free?

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  2. SeanMarch 25, 2009 at 11:21 PM

    Amanda is wondering if it is wrong to take trash.

    I am wondering if its wrong for me to sell the trash

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  3. SamMarch 26, 2009 at 1:00 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. SamMarch 26, 2009 at 1:03 AM

    Sean,

    When it comes to the the 8th commandment about not stealing one has to remember that it is grounded in the moral law which is grounded in our human nature. The moral law states that we are to treat equals alike. As human beings we are to treat each other as rational beings. Stealing requires taking what is of value from another person whether by force or non-force; whether known or unknown. Seeing that you did not taking something that is of value from someone because it was in the trash (place where non-valuable things go), then you are not stealing and you are not breaking the 8th commandment which is grounded in moral law 8. As for Amanda's question, it is not morally wrong to take something that is of no value to anyone (trash). Now someone might be offended if you are searching through their trash can due to personal privacy, but if found it in the community trash then it is free to take. I hope this helps.

    Sam

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  5. SamMarch 26, 2009 at 1:05 AM

    Oh yeah, since the property is now yours, you are free to do with it as you please.

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