Do you have a moral obligation to repay your debts?

[antiver]

I wouldn't call it a moral obligation, so much as you dug yourself a big hole and Darwinism is about to kick your butt if you don't do something about it.

[DebbieL]

How is it not a moral obligation? When you sign your name and take possession of the goods (or make use of the service), you are PROMISING to pay for the item/service. What if it were the other way around and you prepaid for something - does the supplier have a moral obligation to supply you with what you have prepaid for once they already have your money? Of course they do. You have a moral obligation to pay for what you buy, otherwise how is it any different than going into a store and shoplifting?

[ActYourWage]

Yes, one needs to repay debt.

[rob62521]

How is it not a moral obligation? When you sign your name and take possession of the goods (or make use of the service), you are PROMISING to pay for the item/service. What if it were the other way around and you prepaid for something - does the supplier have a moral obligation to supply you with what you have prepaid for once they already have your money? Of course they do. You have a moral obligation to pay for what you buy, otherwise how is it any different than going into a store and shoplifting?

I know on some of the credit card slips I've signed, it says "I promise to pay such and such credit card company the total". Not paying it back would mean you don't live up to that promise which is part of one's morals or lack thereof.