THE NEW YORK Times has a column called The Ethicist, to which readers can submit ethical dilemmas from their daily lives.
Yesterday’s edition contained a letter from a man with an unusual habit: buying an extra cinema ticket every time to reserve the seat next to him, so nobody can sit there.
Here’s the letter:
When my wife and I go to the movies, I typically buy a third reserved seat so I can keep the seat next to me empty. I prefer — but by no means need, either physically or psychologically — the extra space. My wife finds this new habit of mine rather absurd and extravagant. I agree. But is it unethical?- WILL, AUSTIN, TEX.
Obviously this only works when the seats are reserved. But STILL. What do you think?
Do you mind sitting next to other people in the cinema?
Poll Results:
Yeah - if I had enough money, I'd be all over this. (789)
Kind of. I like having more space - but I wouldn't go this far. (701)
I'm not bothered, because I'm not a weirdo (456)
(Here’s what The Ethicist has to say about the right answer.)
via James Kelleher
