Spall, is it correct to say that in my example, you didn't think the squatter was doing anything morally wrong because you, the homeowner, suffered no harm? - Rogue
I don't know. I'm trying to develop some system for answering moral questions, and harm caused to another is high on my list as a clearly immoral act. To take the squatting example and lessen it a bit to something that we would be more familiar with in everyday life:
Let's say I need to use a pair of scissors but I do not have one available. The student sitting next to me is away from his seat, but he left a pair of scissors on his desk. I am not close friends with this student.
Have I committed a moral wrong by using his scissors without his permission as long as I do not damage them in any way and he is totally unaware that I used them? If not, what is the moral difference between scissors and a home?
Spall, come on. You don't see any "moral difference" between a pair of scissors and a home? I mean, please. ;)
I don't think you're committing a great moral wrong by borrowing someone's scissors w/o permission because I think it's fair to assume that most people would consent to your borrowing their scissors, unless you're going to use them for something icky. Still, ideally, though, you would ask. Particularly if it's someone you don't really know well - I wouldn't want to be grabbing things off my neighbor's desk. Why wouldn't you just wait 'til he comes back and say, "Hey, mind if I borrow your scissors?"
Notice that I specifically mentioned that he would be unaware that I used his scissors when he gets backed.
Yeah, I know. I'm fascinated by what appears to be your "what you don't know won't hurt you" scheme of morality. ;)
If not, I may have caused him a certain amount of mental anguish by making him feel insecure in his property ownership.
Then he's kinda weird. But it's his right to be weird and possessive about his stuff, right?
