Ethics

I recently overheard a man saying he was kicked out of his apartment because he "peeped on" his female roommate in the shower. He said, "A peeping tom isn't hurting anyone." I don't think this is universal, but, to what extent is he right?

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If the peeping Tom didn't hurt anyone, why did he get kicked out of his apartment? Perhaps Tom would say, "An undiscovered peeping Tom isn't hurting anyone." But is he right about even that qualified claim? Even if he isn't hurting anybody, his action may still be wrong (e.g. it may violate the roommate's privacy). It is likely that he is harming any relationship he has with his roommate, even if she never finds out (secrets have a way of getting in the way of friendship). He may be hurting himself by developing anti-social habits. And, he did get discovered, and harmed his roommate (presumably she was upset and felt violated). Tom's defense amounts to "I'm looking, not touching, so I'm better than a rapist"...not much of a defense, really.

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