Michael Munger, a political science professor at Duke University and host of 'The Answer is Transaction Costs', explores the concept of 'obedience to the unenforceable'. He discusses how unwritten societal rules sustain civilization and the delicate balance between legal obligations and personal morality. Munger emphasizes the importance of manners and social norms in fostering responsibility. He also addresses the fragility of these norms and the need for individuals to uphold community standards while navigating the complexities of freedom and obligation.
Obedience to the unenforceable involves self-governance and recognizing the importance of preserving social norms.
Maintaining a sense of duty and adherence to moral principles is crucial for preserving civilization and avoiding the erosion of norms and virtues.
Disregard for the unenforceable rules can lead to the breakdown of societal structures and the abuse of freedoms, thereby requiring the introduction of restrictive regulations.
Deep dives
Manners Make the Man
Manners encompass all things that a person imposes upon oneself from duty to good taste. They include the rules of conduct that govern personal action and require obedience to the unenforceable. Manners are not limited to simple acts of politeness, but encompass the cultivation of virtues and the fulfillment of obligations. The cultivation of good manners involves a commitment to self-governance and the recognition of the need to preserve social norms. This commitment extends to all aspects of life, from public behavior to personal conduct, and defines the character of an individual.
The Importance of the Unenforceable
The middle domain of human action exists between the realm of positive law and the realm of free choice. In this realm, there are no laws that dictate our actions, yet we feel bound by a sense of duty and obligation. This sense of duty varies in intensity, but it is essential for the obedience to the unenforceable that allows societies to function. Obedience to the unenforceable necessitates recognizing the importance of self-governance and adhering to moral principles that govern behavior. Maintaining this sense of obligation is crucial for preserving the foundations of civilization and avoiding the erosion of norms and virtues.
The Fragility of Social Norms
The erosion of social norms and the disregard for the unenforceable can lead to the breakdown of societal structures. When individuals take advantage of the absence of imposed restrictions and exploit the freedom they have been granted, it threatens the freedom and trust of others. The abuse of freedom in areas such as freedom of debate in legislative bodies or the misuse of individual rights undermines the value of these freedoms and necessitates the introduction of clumsy and mischievous regulations, limiting genuine debate and stifling individual liberty. It is essential to value the unenforceable rules that govern personal conduct and to recognize the long-term harm caused by their violation.
The Cultivation of Virtues and Vices
The cultivation of habits and virtues plays a vital role in shaping our character and defining our actions. Becoming the sort of person who habitually does the right thing, even in the absence of enforcement, contributes to the well-being of society and fosters a sense of moral responsibility. By internalizing norms and adhering to the unenforceable, individuals develop a strong sense of self-governance and actively contribute to the preservation of societal virtues. The cultivation of good character and the adherence to moral principles are essential for upholding a harmonious and responsible society.
Presumption of Liberty and Personal Responsibility
Classical liberalism advocates for a presumption of liberty, emphasizing the importance of limiting the government's role while recognizing personal responsibility. The belief in individual freedom and responsibility entails valuing cooperation, cultivating personal virtues, and respecting social norms and institutions. This approach highlights the role of personal choice and self-governance in fostering a society based on shared values and mutual respect, while cautioning against the excessive use of legislation and coercion in shaping social behavior.
Civilization and the pleasantness of everyday life depend on unwritten rules. Early in the 20th century, an English mathematician and government official, Lord Moulton, described complying with these rules as "obedience to the unenforceable"--the area of personal choice that falls between illegal acts and complete freedom. Listen as economist Michael Munger talks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the power and challenge of the unenforceable.
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