Thought Questions, day 27: Would you break the law to save a loved one?

I got these questions from Danielle’s blog Underland to Wonderland, where I came across a post in which she talked about the website Thought Questions and their 365 thought-provoking questions to ask yourself. My friends Katrin, Celeste and Jasmine have also been answering these questions, so be sure to go check out their blogs too!

Day 27: Would you break the law to save a loved one?

My initial answer is, “Of course, who wouldn’t?” This does, however, remind me of an interesting experiment that I read about (I can’t find the source, unfortunately). Children were presented with the scenario of a poor man whose wife was dying because the couple couldn’t afford a life-saving medicine; they were then asked if the man should steal the medicine for her. Many of the boys said yes, but many of the girls said that he shouldn’t, because he might get caught and go to jail and then she would really be in trouble.

So I guess the answer is, yes…but you can be damn sure I’d be sneaky about it. I think there are times when laws must be broken for the greater good, or because they are unjust. But going back to Wednesday’s question, you need to be smart about what you’re doing, so you don’t get yourself in trouble and leave the other person in even more dire straits.

10 Comments

Lora Ashley

April 4, 2014 at 10:43 am Reply

I couldn’t agree more with your answer! Sometimes if the situation really calls for it it’s better to just do it and ask forgiveness for it later…

Martha Woods

April 7, 2014 at 2:09 pm Reply

I think so too. Especially if someone is in danger.

Katrin

April 4, 2014 at 6:16 pm Reply

It’s Kohlberg’s Heinz Dilemma. :) I would definitely break the law to save a loved one. There are so many laws that do not make any sense. Plus I already did. I stole my neighbor’s cat because he was an ass.

Martha Woods

April 7, 2014 at 2:10 pm Reply

Aha! Thanks, I was wracking my brain and couldn’t think of it. :) Good for you for saving the cat! I’m sure he’s much happier now with you.