Each of us in his life must have come across such concepts as “rights” and “obligations”. What do these philosophical (and not only) terms imply, in what sense should they be considered, how to apply them in practice? All these questions today arise in modern youth, boys and girls who are becoming or are preparing to become full citizens of our state.
What is a duty in philosophy?
In a generalized sense, this is one of the synonyms of debt. And in philosophy, the concept of "duty" is composed of the concept of "due." Cicero, for example, considered duties (officium) not in the sense of primary and abstract debt, but in the context of a person as a member of the community of Rome, and singled out the main ones: justice and charity. In general, according to Kant, moral teaching (ethics) is completely based on this. What is a duty in European philosophy? That which connects the individual with other people and the state. Officium includes the teaching of special and general responsibilities (Bacon). This is a statutory obligation. What are the laws, such are the duties (Hobbes). Moreover, the performance of duties is subjectively connected not with fear of punishment, but with an understanding of justice. But Schopenhauer defines this action as an act, the imperfection of which causes others injustice, and therefore violates their rights in this way.
Inseparability of concepts
In a state of law, separation of duties from rights becomes impossible. Roughly speaking, there are no others without some, and vice versa! This is the most important principle of our modern society as a whole. In a particular country, all this is determined by the Constitution, the Basic Law. This expresses not only the responsibility of the individual to the whole society, but also the guarantees of statehood to the individual. Moreover, both of these involve mutual legal responsibility.
Rights and freedoms in the Basic Law
As already mentioned, the state is responsible for ensuring and realizing the rights and freedoms of citizens. No one can be forced to abandon them. The main ones enshrined in the Constitution of Russia include: the right to life, freedom, dignity, religion. They also include: freedom of speech and movement, inviolability of the home, private life and personality of a person, property right. One can still single out traditionally the rights to education, work, rest, and freedom of creativity. Separately - the right to peace and psychological comfort. All of the above rights and freedoms in no way deny or detract from other universally recognized established by law.
Constitutional obligations
Firstly, abuse of law is prohibited. What is a duty? Everyone must respect the legitimate interests of others. While on the territory of the Russian Federation, he is obliged to comply with the Constitution of the country, other legal acts, even without being a citizen of this state. Also - pay taxes and fees prescribed by laws. Each of us should take care of our relatives, preserve the environment, historical and cultural heritage. The main constitutional duty is also labor. A person is obliged to protect his health, to form his own spiritual culture.
Holy duty
What is the obligation to protect the Fatherland? This is a sacred duty for every citizen of Russia, enshrined in the Constitution. Upon reaching military age, the young man fulfills his military duty in order to ensure the security (internal and external) of the entire state. If his beliefs or religion contradict military service, it is replaced by a civilian alternative, but remains undeniable!