Topics Ethics

Question Do I have a moral/filial duty to love and respect one of my parents when they have committed a wrongdoing against the other parent? Do I have a moral right to feel outraged at this parent on behalf of the other parent, when this parent has only ever been a good and loving parent to me?

Accepted:
June 29, 2010

Comments

One of the most useful relational skills that one can cultivate is the ability to have nuanced moral evaluations of people. Few individuals are complete saints or monsters. Instead most of us are complex and flawed, yet praiseworthy on at least some points. So, I would say that it is wisest to love and respect your parent for his or her good treatment of you, but be outraged at the bad behavior. It takes wisdom to know how to live this attitude out well. The bad behavior may merit some confrontation from you, but you shouldn't simply cut off a relationship with someone who has treated you well.