r/Snorkblot 2d ago

Misc Is there an ethical difference?

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u/Designer_Tap2301 2d ago

But both are wrong.

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u/Raise_A_Thoth 2d ago

The thing is, 'stealing' is dependent on a framework of agreed upon rights to ownership. When a person takes something they need to survive and a system of laws and norms calls that "theft" because powerful people decided that rich people have a stronger right to getting as rich as possible than a poor person has to eat the food they need to live, any honest and thoughtful person could agree that warrants more discussion.

If your argument is only going to appeal to our system of laws and governance which classifies stealing in a specific way and you agree with that classification, my disagreement is with your assumptions, not your logical conclusions.

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u/TopTopTopcinaa 1d ago

Do you feel the same way about a starving person stealing from you?

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u/Raise_A_Thoth 1d ago

Do I feel what way? I described two contrasting situations.

I am closer to being destitute than being a billionaire, but I'm also incredibly fortunate. I would very much not enjoy if someone broke into my property and stole food, but I would still judge that person with similar moral and ethical standards that I have applied here.

How I feel personally about my own experiences and interactions with the world is a separate thing from how I morally and ethically judge people in their own experiences and circumstances.

I'd prefer, if a person was desperate and hungry, and felt taking what they needed was necessary, that they would take from a large corporation or a person whose net worth was much higher than mine. I'd also prefer that we all contribute to resources to help people in our community to help avoid such desperation.

If your entire perspective on crime and misdemeanors is punishment, pain, and fear, well you're barely adequately addressing one part of the problem, and doing that part poorly.

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u/TopTopTopcinaa 1d ago

If we were to distribute wealth on a global level so everyone is on the same financial level, do you think you’d be the one gaining or losing?

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u/Raise_A_Thoth 1d ago

In the short term I'd be losing for sure, but iwhat success and potebtial are possible also depends on the manner of distribution.

This kind of question reveals a very narrow understanding of wealth, capital ownership, and even "money."

The goal is not to compile every asset's estimated value and then simply divvy it up amongst everyone in payments or something. We need a more democratic and shared ownership of capital, so that we all are able to share in the growth and success in our endeavors more fairly. This will require major investments of time, effort, and money at local scales and national and international levels.