what does it mean to owe?

[PsychoSarah]

What about the bowerbird for example?

?These birds attract mates with beautiful love nests

Would you say the male "owes" the female a beautiful nest? What does it mean to be a social species if the bird is not a good example of human obligation?

I find the sociological explanation itself a little dissatisfying since on the surface there are too many comparable examples of obligation on this level among animals, who simply don't recognize the concept of obligation with the sophistication of humanity. (No offence Fido)

The economy among penguins is certainly impressive, but it wouldn't be fare to equate it with humanity's moral or philosophical sensibilities.

I bring up animals so strongly because I don't think it means much to say "social species". At the level you mean, we couldn't have "paychecks" or "popcorn" much less a definition of obligation

Obviously, more intelligent animals are going to have more complicated concepts of obligation, with it also taking less and less from instinct and more from learned behavior. We happen to be pretty dysfunctional for a social species though.

 

[Paradoxum]

Well i actually got the idea for free choice from your banner "liberty, equality, solidarity"

Do you see any of those preceding or relating to the concept of obligation?

Well I suppose you need a degree of liberty. You can't be morally obliged to do something impossible. So you must be free enough to do X, for you to have an obligation to do X.

 

[sarxweh]

Obviously, more intelligent animals are going to have more complicated concepts of obligation, with it also taking less and less from instinct and more from learned behavior. We happen to be pretty dysfunctional for a social species though.

agreed

 

[GrowingSmaller]

You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother[c] will be liable to judgment; whoever insults[d] his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell[e] of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny

 

[GrowingSmaller]

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.