According to our current societal beliefs, you can own just about any tangible thing that is not strictly forbidden by a higher power. This sense of belonging is what gives objects and money their value, and also a measure of our own self-worth. Consistent with your self-esteem, your moral character is also affected by ownership. Still according to our government, you can own “intangible property”, such as intellectual property and copyright. For better or worse, ownership changes your moral character and extends to intellectual property. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay The relationship between property and identity is ideally seen in money, particularly in the fiat currency of many countries today. You can rightly say that you own this money, and your lifestyle will reflect how much of this money you own, but it goes much deeper than that. Even if your net worth is measured by pieces of paper valued only because people think they are valuable, or based on a number you can read on a screen, these measurements are directly related to your identity and your self-esteem. Money is what allows you to wear the clothes you love, drive the best car on the market, and live in the house of your dreams. In this way, it affects your outlook on life, your personal character and lifestyle, every aspect of your personal identity. If you view money as a tangible good, then it's fair to say that it can develop your moral character. Morally, however, you can bring up a historical example that will raise questions about ownership, slavery. For nearly a century since the country's founding, the United States permitted slavery in the South. The reason you can "possess" another person is because the government of the time allowed such actions. This raises another question; Where does the property come from? In a place where government functions, property is usually instituted by the government. You can keep something on your person, in your home, etc., and the government will try to protect you if someone tries to take that item. In this definition, the meaning of "owning" something is that a higher power says you own it or have the right to it. So if objects can develop your character and ownership flows from government, how does intellectual property fit into the spectrum? ? Sartre says you can own your knowledge and other intangible things. This is also correct because everything you learn in school, college and training is yours. As long as you remember, you can use your knowledge to apply for new jobs, repair your own items, etc. The exception to this rule is intellectual property, an idea or item that you create. The government of most countries has authorized “copyright,” the right to prevent others from copying your work. According to Sartre, this means that someone else who creates the same product as you, even without actually looking at what you have created, is now prohibited from selling the product they created, even if they also created it as “right” as you. did. Therefore, there are some intangible items that you may not have, ones that others have thought of before you. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a trial.,.