Question

widening our universe of obligation
the concept of the “universe of obligation” refers to the individuals and groups to whom a person, community, or nation feels a sense of responsibility or duty. this circle can vary in size depending on personal, cultural, and national factors, beginning with immediate family and potentially expanding outward.

• the universe of obligation often starts with family, as these are the people most individuals feel a natural duty toward.
• it can extend to friends, teachers, and other close individuals.
• for larger groups, such as communities or nations, this obligation may include members based on shared cultural, social, or historical factors.
• noted philosopher david hume observed that people tend to feel less empathy for those farther removed from their immediate circle.
• activist chuck collins argues that once personal obligations are met, individuals should work to expand their circle of care to include others in society.

what did philosopher david hume suggest about empathy around the universe of obligation?

• it decreases as people move farther from their immediate circle.
• it is unaffected by the closeness of relationships.
• it grows stronger with distance.

Explanation:

To answer this, we refer to the text: "Noted philosopher David Hume observed that people tend to feel less empathy for those farther removed from their immediate circle." So we match this with the options. The first option says empathy decreases as people move farther from their immediate circle, which aligns with Hume's observation. The second option (unaffected) and third (grows with distance) contradict the text.

Answer:

A. It decreases as people move farther from their immediate circle.