An individual’s obligation to society outweighs society’s obligation to the individual?

Question

Any affirmative pointers and also negative pointers..thanks

Answer 1

It appears to me to be a balancing test between the interests of the individual and the interest of the society. Robert Pirsig wrote, "Social values are right only if the individual values are right. The place to improve the world is first in one's own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there." The issue to maintain the healthiest balance between individual and society. When the balance becomes eschewed, the relationship of individual to society is unhealthy. At this point the individual must make teh chopice whether to continue to be a part of that society or to remove himself or herself from the society. Unfortunately, it is not an option for the individual to chagne society. The question of which outweighs which is a deiifuclt one because theoretically, the good of the many outwieghs the good of the few. However, each person's situation is personal and more important to him or her as it is his or hers. As such, if that person is one of the "few", then he or she may feel that her needs outweigh the needs of society.

The obligations that we speak of are social contracts that have become civil contracts through the ficiton of an arbitrary human legal system. A necessary fiction, but if anarchy were to reign supreme, social structures and legal systems whole desintegrate into community based rather than society based. The obligations of the individual are to promote the wellbeing of society by complying with the social/sivil contract by living in that society while defaulting on the obligations that have no apparent harm to the society. Nobody thinks they are evil, and most think what they do it ethically and morally cxorrect, even in not fulfilling their obligations to their community and society.

Theoretically, the obligation of the indidivual to the society is more imporant, however practically, society is only made of individuals of like minds. Without them, society ceases to exist as it is not some abstract idea that can exist separate from the mechanations of the individuals that comprise it.

For these reasons, the obligations of the individual and the society must balance each other for the healthiest and most beneficial society to the majority of the individuals comprising it.

Answer 2

I'm not so sure about that. While I understand the individual's obligation to maintain and perhaps better society, society must remember its obligation not to trample the individual rights of a person. This is part of the reason this country (U.S.A) was set up as a representative democracy. So as the rule is by the majority, while leaving room for the minority to be heard and listened to. And as with the past, the minority eventually becomes the majority as people grow with experience and knowledge.

Now take for example gay marriage. This is an individual issue, but because society at this point in time says it is an abomination or whatever these idiots want to call it, it is illegal. As I see the point they are trying to make, they must realize that all they are doing is trampling on the basic rights of individuals to love who they want to love. It is stupid to think that because of society's bigotry these people do not deserve the same rights as "normal" Americans. Its similar in effect to the women's suffrage and civil rights movements of the past. Luckily the minority often becomes the majority eventually and the rights people deserve are usually given to them.

One must always weigh his actions against not only himself but the good of the community and those around him. At the same time, the community must weigh their actions against the good of every person involved. Just because we may not agree on a particular issue does not mean discussion and debate should be cut off and the majority should get what they want every time. Individuals have the same rights as everyone else and those rights should be able to be expressed how they see fit. Don't try to push the majorities beliefs on everyone as everyone doesn't see things the same way. Thanks and have a nice day.

Answer 3

This follows along with 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country'. A great speech, to be sure. But today, with Americans paying so much in taxes and receiving very little in return, with their government taking away so many rights and priveleges and with the lack of respect shown to the American people by its leaders....I think its long overdue that the individual can start to expect a little obligation shown back by society...

Answer 4

If the individual does not fulfill their obligation to society there will be no society but lawless anarchy

Answer 5

i, too, immediately thought of jfk's famous lines...the concepts are symbiotic...you owe your society as much, or as little, as they owe you...when you live in a mcmansion, and have an easier time paying the light bill, then the moral, ethical thing to do is to give back to that which provides for you--when you live in public housing and you've never been able to pay your light bill in full, it would be more difficult to appreciate the society that, seemingly, has forgotten you...even though that said society may, indeed, GIVE you all you do have...i'm poor, fixed income and all...but, i wouldn't trade being poor in america for being well off ANYWHERE else...

Answer 6

Who says there is an Obligation to begin with?

Answer 7

ABSOLUTELY! If you want to be a part of any society that you have expectations of, you must support it. How do you support it you ask? What are you expecting from it?