Avira’s initial post was well-thought out. Question:
So long as I am within halacha, isn’t there a variation on how “fair” to be based on that person’s nature and compass? As a practical matter, if I am lending to a goy, can I not charge below market interest, market-rate, or 18%. Is it possible to avoid one’s personal sense of fairness in coming up with a rate, which depends on their personality, how much return he subjectively believes he requires, and what he feels entitled to? What is “fair” is unavoidably part of the picture, whether relying directly on a Torah source or not. I’m sure there are sources to rely on to determine boundaries on what to charge ad what not to charge. But if halacha says no problem charging the 18%, does that mean I am not allowed to charge 12%? I am assuming in my example there are no ulterior motives for charging the 12%. For example, maybe he has no one else to borrow from, and let’s assume you’ll never be doing business with him again.
If I am correct, then the next step may be to recognize that its impossible for any one of us to know 100% what motivates our sense of fairness. Does it come in part from the medina we are living in? A Torah source? How your parents raised you?
So maybe it’s not that we are relying on Christian sensibilities, but it’s OK in certain situations to have rachmonis where halacha permits.
Thoughts appreciated.