Series: Daf Yomi

Venue: Jerusalem Jerusalem

Gemara:

Bava Metzia 

Halacha:

Choshen Mishpat,  Hashavat Aveidah,  Nezikin 

Collections: R' Berzon Daf Yomi Bava Metzia

References: Bava Metzia: 24a  

Description

Two issues regarding finding a lost object are addressed by the sugya in Bava Matzia 24a: One, new utensils & שבעתן העין, when do we assume that it is not possible for the owner to recognize his lost object? Two, do we assume that the owner despaired and the finder is exempt from the obligation to actively seek out the owner? Even if the finder is exempt, may he acquire the object for himself? What if the Jewish population is made up of not only pious individuals but also of those who would not return a lost object? How far did R' Shimon go with his assumption of יאוש, and under what circumstances would he require השבה? Did the Chachamim reject R' Shimon's view & if so what about a city populated by non-Jews? Proofs from various beraisos.