Re: [Phys-l] OT: Reflecting on Ethics (was A geek's ... "Avatar")

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

Rauber, Joel wrote:
> > The ethical issue to which I allude, perhaps not very clearly, is that
> > if I lay out my prize possessions,
> > on a table within my property line, adjacent to a busy street, and pay
> > no attention to keeping them secure, then I certainly should not be
> > surprised, nor feel injured, if some young person finds them
> > irresistible. In colluding to make a stranger's theft easier or less
> > risky, then certainly the thief is at fault: but I share blame in
> > aiding
> > the commission of this theft. This is not a difficult or unusual
> > ethical
> > position. Perhaps the Rice philosopher, who sometimes joins these
> > discussions could offer
> > some correction if I err?
> >     
> Does the same logic apply to the wearing of provocative clothing and sexual crimes
The thought had crossed my mind too.
It seems to me that the police and the judiciary formerly placed too 
much weight on
the visual attractions of women who were molested. There now seems to be 
a much
more balanced  evaluation of victims in short skirts (where skirts are 
still worn)
or revealing necklines who complain of abuse.

Still; to return to the topic of petty theft: no matter how loosely 
guarded those
valuables which are displayed on the property near the sidewalk, a thief
is still a thief.

Brian W