none2 > because I understand these arguments are sacred to all of you, so, I apologize, but that is such a stupid argument and waste of time and waste of moral principles. Hefker shouldn’t be so complicated.
I am with you that we should not forget looking at 10 commandments!
But this is about silly chickens. But it is not a waste of time. Think of a simple farmer who lives a town. He finds a chicken. It is like you finding $500 on the street. You seem to be a philosopher – are you going to just pass by thinking of bigger issues or would you like to pick it up? But how do you know that you are allowed to pick it up? Many of us would say – hm, this chicken looks dirty and his hairy is messy – I just _know_ he is homeless – and convince yourself that it is OK to steal it (see the thread on CC offers). Next day, the chicken owner loses faith in his fellow Yidden and now has to stand whole day watching his chicken instead of doing something ore productive. On 1-2 generations, the whole community loses it’s dignity.
Instead, halakha gives the farmer a simple rule that helps him keep himself in control. And so are many other rules like that. This is applied philosophy.
So, here is “do not steal”,”do not desire”, “bear a witness” thanks to this chicken.