I have discovered a lower bound of cost and inconvenience that will cause me to shoplift. As part of a larger purchase I was trying to buy four boxes of assorted painkillers at a self-service checkout. There are limits on the number of analgesics you can purchase in a single transaction, and I went over it. I was advised to ring the last box through as a separate transaction. Rather than make a second debit card payment for a 19p box of paracetamol, I put it in my bag and walked out.
I am largely a law-abiding citizen, and have never been motivated to shoplift before. This has got me thinking about the circumstances under which I'll transgress other societal norms I'm otherwise in agreement with.
Why is there a limit to the number of boxes of paracetamol you can buy in a single transaction?
The quote:
"Good people disobey bad laws."
comes to mind, although I'm not sure if this is a law or just some stupid rule at the store you went to.
This is the public group instrumental rationality diary for the week of July 9th. It's a place to record and chat about it if you have done, or are actively doing, things like:
Or anything else interesting which you want to share, so that other people can think about it, and perhaps be inspired to take action themselves. Try to include enough details so that everyone can use each other's experiences to learn about what tends to work out, and what doesn't tend to work out.
Thanks to everyone who contributes!
Academian put up a wiki page with links to the prior May and June threads for reference. Good idea, thanks!