Question

One of the university’s values is respect. Part of the definition states that, “Our community’s strength depends on the unity and diversity of our people.” As we finish our modules on financial matters, consider the elderly for a moment. For this week’s discussion, please support your answer as to whether society is obligated out of a sense of respect to care for the elderly who have been unable, unwilling, or unfortunate in their preparation for retirement.

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) Generally, moral codes are not enforced by law. Codes of the law are those which maintain order in the society whilst protecting the right of each individual. The law, however, cannot coerce me into sharing my abundant food supply with my hungry neighbour.

Morals are ideally based on ethical codes. While the law does not confer any responsibility on me to take care of the geriatric and debilitated individuals of society, it would be a moral duty to do so. This moral duty would be based on the ethical codes that one might live by as an individual or as a society.

The society might not be legally obligated to take care of an old person. Nevertheless, they are morally obligated to work with respect and compassion towards the helpless of the society. It is precisely these moral and ethical qualities that make us the greater species and not a greater and reckless intellect. This is so to say that if we do not act morally, we might as well be the lower species of this planet.