Morality of theft

Whether stealing is immoral or not depends both on the context of the action and the moral theory used.
I believe in utilitarianism, in which stealing would only be immoral if it leads to bad consequences for the stakeholders.
I would consider shoplifting in a small family store immoral but am fine with stealing from big corporations and retail chains as well as with stealing to feed ones family.

Taking existing laws aside not stealing is just a social contract that mutually benefits adherents.

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Human1000 · 51-55, M

You’ve spent too much time doing whatever led you to this absurd post.

RebelliousSpirit · F

@Human1000 I find philosophy quite interesting and yes I have too much time unfortunately

helenS · 36-40, F

@RebelliousSpirit If you have enough time on your hands please start reading Wittgenstein's "Philosophical Investigations".

Human1000 · 51-55, M

@RebelliousSpirit Shoplifting isn’t a philosophy and utilitarianism is about the common good. Corporations raise prices on consumers to make up for theft. It’s built into business plans. It does nothing to promote the regulation of capitalism, or its downfall, if that’s your goal.

helenS · 36-40, F

@Human1000 (a) If corporations can simply raise prices why do they install cameras against thieves in their stores?
(b) If they can simply raise prices why don't corporations raise prices even more?

RebelliousSpirit · F

@Human1000 never said it was one but a question of morality is a philosophical one.
This post has nothing to do with Capitalism I just realized that theft is seen as wrong by a majority of people and I don't deem it morally wrong that's all.

Human1000 · 51-55, M

@helenS It’s about what theft controls are reasonable from a cost benefit analysis and what is legal. You can’t give the impression of not caring, either.

Human1000 · 51-55, M

@RebelliousSpirit Yes, you do see it as morally wrong or you wouldn’t have made the post. You simply get a thrill from being provocative. And it is definitely about capitalism or you would not have made the distinction between mom and pop stores.

RebelliousSpirit · F

@Human1000 I don't really but it's the consensus in society that is not completly unreasonable.

Actually the distinction comes from the harm that is being done. A smalls shop is not as financially stable as big corporations therefore stealing from the latter has no negative impact.

Human1000 · 51-55, M

@RebelliousSpirit You’re refusing to accept that consumers are hurt by shoplifting. As such, you’re not discussing in good faith. Discussion over.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@RebelliousSpirit Beyond higher selling prices to compensate for the lost property and possibly higher insurance premiums.