Is Stealing Always Immoral? #50

Utilitarianism, Kant and Aristotle

The answer to this depends on the moral theory that you want to use.

For utilitarianism, which focuses on the total benefit of an action, stealing might be morally right if it increases total benefit or happiness for all stakeholders. So, for example, stealing a terrorist’s bomb before he can detonate it would qualify as a morally right action since it increases the total benefit or happiness. Similarly, Robin-Hood-like actions (stealing from the rich to give to the poor) would probably be considered right.

For Kant, there are three aspects to consider: