I do not quite know what to say. There are certain things that are blameworthy to do or to omit, under ordinary circumstances. Those things are the raw material of duty. There are other things where no blame attaches if one does nothing, but rather one is praised for exemplary conduct, above the call of duty. The simplest instance is where I pay a bill that is due. That is not praiseworthy, ordinarily, but it would be deplorable if I did not. On the other hand, if I make a donation to a worthy cause, that is praiseworthy, since it is not owed. Now, the law does not, in fact, address all behavior that is worthy of blame. For example, if I betray a friend by failing to hold a confidence, the law has nothing to say about that, but I have behaved badly, and failed in my duty. If I am the sort of parent who does not express affection, or who makes his children compete for affection, I am a bad parent, and fall below a minimum standard of conduct, although the law does not address that, as long as their material needs are attended to. If I fail to leave a tip, despite good service, and knowing that that is a normal part of a waiter's income, I have behaved badly, although the waiter could not run for a cop.
In contrast, if one is the sort of parent who shows a great deal of interest in his children, always helps them with homework, volunteers as a chaperone, goes out of his way to sharing enriching experiences (like taking them to museums, zoos, historical sites, and so forth), makes their friends welcome, and so on, one is a very good parent, not merely adequate. If one, as a citizen, takes a lively interest in the political process, helps to campaign (even by contributing), volunteers for things like election judge, tries to follow responsible news organs, participates in things like "town meetings" with Congressmen, or candidate debates, one is a particularly good citizen. If one, as a spouse, actively tries to minimize friction, takes steps to ensure that you, as a couple, do not grow apart, seeks to keep romance alive, and so forth, one is a very good spouse. These are the sorts of things that are over and above the minimum.
The contrast, and inadequacy of pegging duty to the law, should be clear. |
