Final answer:
The correct answer to the question is that 'duty is essential in all aspects of life', as indicated by philosophical teachings and perspectives from different eras. Duty is a key element in both our moral and societal frameworks, guiding individual and collective behavior across public and private spheres.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the essential role of duty in all areas of life. As expressed in various philosophical texts, including quotes from Confucius and the Bhagavad Gita, and philosophical ideas from John Locke and William David Ross, the concept of duty is fundamental and inseparable from human existence and morality. Whether in terms of obligations to society as per John Locke or the personal moral expectations as per Confucius and the Bhagavad Gita, the notion of duty plays a crucial role. Duty is not only important to maintaining social order but also to one's sense of honor and virtue.
From a moral pluralist perspective, like that of W.D. Ross, we derive that our actual duty can often be the one that appears most pressing in a given situation. In contrast, Jeremy Bentham's view on natural rights suggests the importance of legal rights over so-called 'natural rights,' which again highlights a form of duty to abide by societal rules established by government. Therefore, the correct interpretation and answer to the student's question is that 'duty is essential in all aspects of life' as it is interwoven with both our legal system and our moral structure, influencing everything from public interactions to private decision-making.