Was Taking Advantage of Computer Error Ethical For Cheap Gas?

Updated: 6:38 PM Oct 15, 2008

After Monday's computer error gave visitors to a Wisconsin Rapids gas station gas at 34 cents a gallon, a UWMC Philosophy Professor says the people who took advantage of the error may not have been in the right ethically.

Posted: 5:40 PM Oct 15, 2008
Reporter: Matt Behrens
Email Address: mbehrens@wsaw.com

Is Taking Advantage of Computer Error for Cheap Gas Ethical?

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Dozens of people are driving around Wisconsin Rapids on cheap tankfuls of gas today, after a computer error gave away hundreds of gallons which were priced at $3.43 for only 34 cents a gallon.

And while that may sound like a bargain, it cost the station's owner heavily, which begs the question, was it ethical for people to take advantage of the error?

Mark Brown, a Professor of Philosophy at UW Marathon County says it depends on which way you look at it.

Since we are in a free market economy, Brown says it's the consumer's right to look for the best price, and it's the store owner's job to make sure his pricing mechanism is working correctly.

But on an ethical level, he says it may be a different story.

Professor Brown says, "It is the personal responsibility of people who are living in the same community to not take advantage of their fellow community members."

And while the gas station owner is treating the situation as a bonus for everyone who stopped in Monday, they have to know that it has cost him thousands of dollars.

We also spoke with a cashier there who is working today, and he says as of yet not one person has come in to pay back the difference.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Ben Location: Houston, TX on Oct 21, 2008 at 09:19 AM

Dear Matt Behrens, this is some seriously poor reporting. How long did the store owner know about the problem? How long did it take the clerk to notice that very few people were spending over $10 on fuel? Perhaps no one offered to pay the difference, but did any customers report the problem? Most people reading your article may assume no one reported the problem to the clerk. You make it sound like the customers are just a bunch of looters that can't be all there is to it.

Posted by: Kevin Location: Houston on Oct 21, 2008 at 08:02 AM

Don't be so down on humanity. I estimate 1 in 3 to be good, decent people. 2 in 3 are a**holes who will get to expand the size of Hell. -- morgul12 on csipg.rpg

Posted by: Abby Location: Wausau on Oct 16, 2008 at 08:38 AM

I was pretty disappointed in the community and how they responded to this situation. I'm surprised at the number of citizens that took advantage of the error and not only that but they did their part to spread the word. Personally, in good conscience I would have had to bring the error to the stations attention. How many kids watched this happen and what is the lesson that they were taught? Any wonder we have some of the problems that we do with our kids today. This behavior reflects poorly on the community of Wisconsin Rapids. Ever heard the saying "Love your neighbor as yourself"?

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