One of my Philosophy teachers once posed this question. Our class went
the way of evil pranks. Which way would you go?

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The clock in my trailer has stopped. The second hand still goes around
in circles, but the minute and hour hands refuse to cooperate. As far as
I can determine, this has not altogether halted the passage of time.

The clock in the trailer nextdoor, however, accessible through an
unlocked passing door, seems to be perfectly functional. Furthermore,
that trailer is completely vacant during my second teaching period. So
should I go in and surreptiously make the switch?

My morning students, who came up with this notion, are of two minds.
Some say it's wrong. Others say "Go on and do it." Yet another suggested
I borrow it, and simply exchange clocks at the beginning of each week.
That appeals to me, although there's the danger of certain colleagues
determining the clock to be haunted or cursed, as it were.

So, which path should I take? Good, evil, or other?

I would just go out a buy a new clock. Stealing is always wrong. Even
just "exchanging" clocks would be wrong without having permission.

Get a new clock and use the broken one to launch a philosophical
discussion about the nebulous aspects of time and space...

You missed one of your callings S.
or perhaps saving it for later.

I kind of like the idea of practical jokes and mach hauntings.
Is it still stealing if you plan to "spill the beans" later?

Yes.

technically - yes

But I'd like to think that our intention and the circumstance plays a
role in this too.

In college, I 'stole' a classmate's car keys at a party. He was very
drunk and was going to drive. He was beyond reason. A few of his
'friends' were helping him look for the keys....so I made sure they
wouldn't find them.

Yes I came clean after everyone was safe. It was still stealing though.

So...like lying.....there IS a time for it.

In my example I remember being very conflicted about it. No one asked
me if I had seen the keys and I didn't volunteer any information. Had
someone asked me, I would not have lied about it ... nor would I have
given the keys up.

My motivation was two-fold:

1. I felt I had a moral responsibility to protect him from harming
himself and to protect others sharing the road

2. I had a legal responsibility because I knew he was drunk and knew he
intended to drive.

I don't mean a little tipsy ... completely toasted.

He passed out when I drove him home. I left his keys and a note with my
phone number telling him to call me if he needed a ride back to his car.


I have been thinking on this for a few minutes now and I haven't come up
with a scenario yet where lying seems appropriate.

Lying is to intentionally mislead another which always leaves one
disadvantaged.

Help me out Beachy. When is the time for lying?

Gee Mama Cass.......
Your butt looks GREAT in those jeans!!!!

Why would you say anything at all?

And leave the size of my butt outta this

omg beach your profile is hilarious!!!!

Fictitious example (if asked) S.

I don't answer to John Phillips....I hope you don't answer to Mama Cass.

I don't mind leaving your butt out of of this. (see...a "good"
lie)
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TY Gypsy! Sad thing is...to every fabrication or joke, there is an
element of truth...maybe.

lol I liked the part where you kicked off your heels......they were
killing me!!!! and took a walk on the beach!!!

_______________


Gypsy - even the elements have elements. A quick witty one my friend
is.

nothing says class like pumps and a smart black coctail dress........as
long as you're cleanly shaven.

I missed you

Me Too
2U

i say but the HAUNTED CLOCK in someone else room and see if you could
scar them

Beach...

A prank is a prank...as long as you are not malicious and no one gets
hurt...I think you're doin' fine!

I'd be curious how long it would take your neighbor to realize there was
a problem with the clock...That class could last forever!