There are comments on so many threads saying that people 'should just do as they are told', 'obey the rules' etc, which made me wonder where people's boundaries would lie.
To use an extreme example and create a continuum, what if 'the rules' said that it would be better for society as a whole if all first-born children were sold into slavery, and we all had to take them to a central point so that this could be organised. Would you hand over your children or grandchildren? Would you report a neighbour if you knew that they were not complying, or ask 'what people don't understand' about the rules?
I'm guessing that most of us would draw the line long before that, so where is your own line in the sand, and what influences your attitude to compliance? Is it when your loved ones start to be affected? When you see other people doing something, so feel obliged to 'play fair' and share their pain? When you realise that the neighbours are watching you and you feel embarrassed in case you are judged? As soon as the government issue a decree, as they were voted in, and it is the law? Or something else entirely?
Do you make up your own mind about where you sit on a moral compass, and if so, do you feel that the state has a right to penalise people for sticking to their principles? What about possible reprisals if the government changes and the next one brings charges against those who were 'only obeying orders'? Would they be fair?
I realise that there are a lot of questions in there, but I wanted to leave it as open as possible, so that the thread does not become another about the virus - it would be interesting to explore attitudes without bringing the discussion back to Covid - there are plenty of other threads about that 
.
MissAdventure
I was referring to the mental capacity act, deprivation of liberty legislation, and that kind of thing.
Ah. Well my point still stands - I did wonder about the 'least restrictive' bit, but I am no theologian!
Apologies. I didn't read the post properly 
I was talking about Covid. I realise you were speaking generally.
MissAdventure
Oh, sorry.
I meant what if everyone had always, and still did, give their first child into slavery?
I suppose that in that case I might feel differently, as I would have been taught the same rationale for the practice as others.
It was only really meant as a highly unlikely scenario to suggest that there is a point beyond which nobody would advocate blind obedience, and to stop the discussion being about the pros and cons of one law or situation 
. I was asked directly what I would do, so I replied, but it was never a serious question.
Registering is free, easy, and means you can join the discussion, watch threads and lots more.
Register now »Already registered? Log in with:
Gransnet »