Take some extreme situations (just to make the point): if you exchange messages with someone on the Intenet and feel that person needs help; if after a one-night-stand your partner seems suicidal; if you have a work associate that needs a sholder to cry on. Are we responsible and if yes, to what extent?
2006-06-10 12:05:18 · 10 answers · asked by leblongeezer 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I agree with sobrien in that being "responsible" is akin to being a busy-buddy. We are only RESPONSIBLE for ourselves and those who depend on us (such as minor children). (While I love my adult son, I am not responsible for him.)
But perhaps you meant to suggest a moral obligation? For me, I would say, "yes," to the extent that I am able. "No man is an island, entire of itself..." We are all interconnected so that...
"any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."
In practical terms, I'd say that the moral obligation varies to the extent that we're involved with the other person. If you exchange messages on the internet, how long has the exchange taken place and how frequently? Two days? A month? A year? I'd offer help to each person to varying degrees, but go out of my way more for someone I've really connected with (probably more than a month). Likewise, in my book, a one-night stand is still a form of an intimate commitment, so I'd be on the phone with the cops to intervene. And, heck, a work associate is someone with whom you share part of your life, so there's no question for me about giving them a shoulder to cry on.
I'm someone who practices "random acts of kindness" with total strangers (like removing shopping carts that block the handicapped spaces), so I don't need much excuse to offer help.
2006-06-10 12:35:37 · answer #1 · answered by Janine 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that each person has a different level of conscience... Meaning not everyone would feel the same since of responsibility... Some people are very loving and some are very hardened.. Some don't think twice about there actions to others... Only what satisfies them in the moment... If someone were unstable it would be wise not to take them for granted... Out of selfish desires... On the flip side of it we are truly responsible for ourselves but that does not mean that we wont feel pain when we know we have hurt someone else... As far as if someone needs a shoulder to cry on, if you don't feel like being there for that person why would you? Maybe it makes you feel a certain way, and you like that you are needed in this way... And the best way to avoid the situation if someone seems suicidal, you would avoid sex all together... That is a turn off anyway and you would have no pleasure in it.. Unless you were a heartless jerk! And you don't come across that way at all...........
2006-06-10 12:40:57 · answer #2 · answered by ****** 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think that we all have a responsibility to look out for each other. I also feel that that we have a responsibility to the world's population as a whole and not just to the people that we come into physical contact with or communicate with through some other means. All of our lives are some way intertwined and the impact of each individuals' choices and actions travels further than the individual themselves.
2006-06-13 08:18:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are responsible for how we treat that person during the time of "crossing" This could take any number of forms: First, stay away from the one-night-stands; giving a co-worker a bit of assistance with a personal problem, etc. Care must be taken to NOT take all their problems upon you, but if you do the decent thing, there's nothing to be ashamed of.
2006-06-10 12:39:45 · answer #4 · answered by aboukir200 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, we are. And we all have to answer, for good or bad, how we influenced people on Judgement Day. I try not to be a bad influence. By the way, this means how we influence them to act. People will do what they do, so don't feel guilt over something they did that you could not possibly control.
2006-06-13 15:11:48 · answer #5 · answered by Strange Design 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one can be rsponsible for how someone else acts. That doesn't mean, however that we are not supposed to care about others. I think altruism between humans and the instinct to care isone of the most precious things we have; there is no obligaiton, that's what makes it so special
2006-06-13 09:27:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no. you are responsible for yourself, and those that you love. but only to a small extent.
you can not make decisions for anyone other than yourself.
that's why we have free will.
you can try and influence them or show them the reasoning you have behind your actions, but you are not responsible for what they do.
if someone needs a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to listen, its not mandatory for you, but it is a polite and Noble gesture.
you are you, they are they, and you should respect that.
2006-06-10 12:10:39 · answer #7 · answered by sobrien 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmmmm.....this is a problem that I may not have an answer for......WHY.....because I have a brain.
Oh but then you give examples......then it makes it different for me.
I won't make this TOO smart for anyone.......I am RESPONSIBLE to no one......I do however feel a sense of urgency when confronted by the issues you mentioned.
Oh and .......WOW.......how many people have WE all exchanged messages with on the internet who we feel need HELP.........if that is extreme for you......you must live a very sheltered life.
Peace
2006-06-10 15:06:43 · answer #8 · answered by sqwirlsgirl 5 · 0⤊ 7⤋
if we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other - mother teresa
2006-06-11 16:15:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i THINK WE CAN HAVE A IMPACT ON PEOPLE'S LIVES WHETHER GOOD OR BAD
2006-06-10 12:35:44 · answer #10 · answered by confused 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋