186k views
1 vote
Would two enemies who made an effort to avoid eachother feel an obligation to be nice to one another? Why or why not?

User Afsheen
by
6.0k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Two enemies may or may not feel an obligation to be nice to each other, largely influenced by social psychology concepts like the prisoner's dilemma, cultural norms, and individual experiences. Respect can be influenced by various factors, including mutually beneficial outcomes, as well as traditions seen in practices like martial arts. Ultimately, cooperation and civility are not guaranteed and depend on various context-specific factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Whether two enemies feel an obligation to be nice to one another, despite making an effort to avoid each other, is a complex issue that depends on several factors. In the context of social psychology and the prisoner's dilemma, we can see that mutual interests and the potential for better overall outcomes may motivate cooperation despite animosity. However, as noted in examples like Israelis and Palestinians, conflict and mistrust can solidify negative behaviors and sabotage the potential for cooperation. The dynamics of such relationships require understanding the nuances of social interactions and the factors that contribute to reconciliation or ongoing conflict.

Martial arts traditions, such as Judo, emphasize respect for one's opponent, demonstrating that even after intense competition, individuals can still show courtesy and concern. This illustrates that even if two parties avoid each other, they might still feel a sense of obligation to be civil or courteous due to cultural expectations or a potential future need to collaborate against common threats or challenges. However, this is by no means guaranteed, and numerous factors including past experiences, cultural norms, and individual personality traits will influence whether two enemies act nicely towards one another.

Resolving conflicts between perfect duties, such as the dilemma between never telling a lie and avoiding harm to someone, further complicates interactions between adversaries. The approach taken can be crucial in determining whether the relationship moves towards cordiality or remains hostile.

User Jeffin
by
6.5k points