Well, I would put an ad in the paper but only specify that money was found in a, somewhat generic, geographic location. I wouldn't say how much and then just go from there. It would make me feel better but also insure that the rightful owner might be looking and could describe specifics. If someone called on it, I would then ask them where they lost it and how much they lost - keeping the conversation simple so that they couldn't weasle information out of me. Then, I'd wait two weeks and find some sort of "good" use of the money - that varies to the person so I'll leave it at that :)
I guess I feel like a dork because I thought you were asking a real ethics question. Given that you are a world above me in intelligence, I answered your question like a naive puppy :)
Although, if I encountered the situation in real life, I'd do exactly as I stated in my previous comment!
It *was* a real ethics question. Jack found it and we didn't immediately know what to do. It was in a politically-corrupt, not-so-safe neighborhood, and there was no way to publicize the situation in hopes of finding the right owner (that's code for saying the money was either headed to or from illegitimate means).
It was just fascinating because of the conversations it started. What if we somehow came into millions via the lottery or something (granted, we don't play the lotto, but y'know). I'd feel like I had to give all the money away because I didn't earn it myself. You hear about those situations where people scoop up 'free' money from bank trucks that come unhinged and it was just interesting to be placed in a similar situation!
Okay, cue the Jeopardy music, I have a question for you...
Well, I would put an ad in the paper but only specify that money was found in a, somewhat generic, geographic location. I wouldn't say how much and then just go from there. It would make me feel better but also insure that the rightful owner might be looking and could describe specifics. If someone called on it, I would then ask them where they lost it and how much they lost - keeping the conversation simple so that they couldn't weasle information out of me.
ReplyDeleteThen, I'd wait two weeks and find some sort of "good" use of the money - that varies to the person so I'll leave it at that :)
Is this a real situation or an example of ethical philosophy? :)
ReplyDeleteI'd have a really nice steak dinner!
ReplyDeleteI guess I feel like a dork because I thought you were asking a real ethics question. Given that you are a world above me in intelligence, I answered your question like a naive puppy :)
ReplyDeleteAlthough, if I encountered the situation in real life, I'd do exactly as I stated in my previous comment!
xo
It *was* a real ethics question. Jack found it and we didn't immediately know what to do. It was in a politically-corrupt, not-so-safe neighborhood, and there was no way to publicize the situation in hopes of finding the right owner (that's code for saying the money was either headed to or from illegitimate means).
ReplyDeleteIt was just fascinating because of the conversations it started. What if we somehow came into millions via the lottery or something (granted, we don't play the lotto, but y'know). I'd feel like I had to give all the money away because I didn't earn it myself. You hear about those situations where people scoop up 'free' money from bank trucks that come unhinged and it was just interesting to be placed in a similar situation!