Final answer:
AR 600-20 defines 'duty' as the obligation to complete all assigned or implied tasks fully, covering both legal and moral aspects. Philosopher W.D. Ross emphasized the role of judgment in determining actual duty amidst conflicting moral obligations, relevant to the military context.
Step-by-step explanation:
AR 600-20 defines 'duty' as the legal or moral obligation to accomplish all assigned or implied tasks to the fullest of one's ability. This definition encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing both legal responsibilities, such as serving in the Armed Forces, and moral responsibilities, like the duty of fidelity, which involves keeping promises and being truthful. Philosopher W.D. Ross discussed prima facie duties, which are immediate moral obligations we must consider, such as the duty of reparation, gratitude, promoting the aggregate good, and non-maleficence. In the context of the United States Armed Forces, the sense of duty often requires a balance between these moral commitments and the legal imperatives defined by military law.
Ross also highlighted the importance of judgment in determining which duty is most pressing in situations with conflicting responsibilities, indicating that the actual duty is the one that takes priority, and this can be influenced by factors such as urgency and moral weight. In the military, soldiers are expected to prioritize their duties accordingly, using their judgment to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.