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Concept
Duty
Summary
A duty (from "due" meaning "that which is owing"; deu, did, past participle of devoir; debere, debitum, whence "debt") is a commitment or expectation to perform some action in general or if certain circumstances arise. A duty may arise from a system of ethics or morality, especially in an honor culture. Many duties are created by law, sometimes including a codified punishment or liability for non-performance. Performing one's duty may require some sacrifice of self-interest.
A sense-of-duty is also a virtue or personality trait that characterizes someone who is diligent about fulfilling individual duties or who confidently knows their calling.
Cicero, an early Roman philosopher who discusses duty in his work “On Duties", suggests that duties can come from four different sources:
as a result of being a human
as a result of one's particular place in life (one's family, one's country, one's job)
as a result of one's character
as a result of one's own moral expectations for oneself
The specific duties imposed by law or culture vary considerably, depending on jurisdiction, religion, and social normalities.
Civic engagement
Duty is also often perceived as something owed to one's country (patriotism), or to one's homeland or community. Civic duties could include:
Obey the law
Pay taxes
Provide for a common defense, should the need arise
Enroll to vote, and vote at all elections and referendums (unless there is a reasonable excuse such as a religious objection, being overseas, or illness on polling day)
Serve on a jury, if called upon
Go to the aid of victims of accidents and street crime and testifying as a witness later in court
Report contagious illnesses or pestilence to public-health authorities
Volunteer for public services (e.g. life-saving drills)
Donate blood periodically or when needed
Give time to voice advice on a relevant field of expertise, benefits, workplace improvements and on how it is conducted or run
Revolt against an unjust government
Specific obligations arise in the services performed by a minister of a church, by a soldier, or by any employee or servant.
Official source
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