Final answer:
People may be more inclined to help the dead due to religious obligations, a sense of duty, fear of consequences, and the complexity of providing help to the living, which is influenced by societal and cultural factors surrounding death and afterlife beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Rukmani, people are more willing to help when a person has died rather than when they are alive potentially due to a combination of factors, including a sense of duty, religious obligations, fear of consequences from not helping, and because they may find it easier to offer help to the dead. This reflects the broader societal and cultural views on death, where death is often shrouded in ritual and driven by theological beliefs. The way different cultures and religions handle death varies, but many include rituals such as burials or cremation, and these practices are intrinsically linked to beliefs surrounding the afterlife, morality, and the fate of the soul.
Additionally, the desire to retain one's belief system, which offers hope and consolation in the face of death, is a powerful motivator. In some cultures, people fear the wrath of an angry ghost if proper funeral rites are not conducted, further reinforcing the importance of fulfilling these obligations. On the other hand, societal focus on the wellbeing of individuals when they are alive varies and often competes with other responsibilities people may have, influencing their capacity to provide help to the living.