Final answer:
The ship owner's belief in the ship's safety is not adequate without performing necessary maintenance. He is morally and legally responsible for ensuring the vessel's seaworthiness before renting it out.
Step-by-step explanation:
The moral and legal responsibility of the ship owner in this situation heavily leans towards the necessity of performing due maintenance and ensuring the safety of those aboard his ship. Belief in the safety of the ship without sufficient evidence is not a justification for negligence. Accidents that may occur due to a lack of maintenance and inspection can lead to devastating consequences, as illustrated by the sinking of the ship and the loss of life. It is the owner's duty to guarantee the seaworthiness of his vessel before renting it out, both morally and legally.In the context of the passage, both the plight of the crewmen and the philosophical question of the Ship of Theseus touch upon the risks associated with the sea and the continuous process of maintenance necessary to keep a ship functioning over time. However, in the direct case of the ship owner who neglected maintenance, he would likely be held responsible for the tragedy, ethically and potentially legally, because he ignored the critical safety measure of regular inspection and repair. Therefore, the correct answer to the question would be: b) No, he should have taken necessary precautions and ensured the ship's safety.