What makes stealing wrong?

Answer 1

"Telling the truth is right," we say. "And stealing is wrong." These are thing that, generally speaking, we should, or should not, do.

But why should we tell the truth? Whyshouldn't we steal? What do you think makes telling the truth right and lying wrong? Some people believe it's the results, or consequences, of what we do that matter.

Tom has stolen Lily's bike. By stealing the bike, Tom made himself feel happier. But he made Lily very unhappy indeed. And he made all of Lily's friends worry that their bikes will be stolen as well. So they are unhappy too.

So, because Tom stole Lily's bike, there is less happiness overall. That, according to some people, is why Tom was wrong to steal the bike. We ought to do what makes people happier. We shouldn't do what makes them less happy.