Can an obligation be voluntary or is it forced upon an unwilling person?

I’ve held voluntary leadership positions in associations, and I had obligations. In fact, service on the Board of Directors entails legal duties and obligations. I’m not quite sure if this is the tack you’re taking on this . . . but it’s the truth ;-)

It depends on the obligation, I suppose. I do perceive some as being voluntary at the point of assumption. For example, I have obligations as a married person. But getting married was my choice; I took on these obligations willingly.

Once you volunteer, you have obligations.

Most of our voluntary actions carry subsequent obligations. Getting married, getting a driver’s license, joining the military. Force comes in when you fail to meet the obligations that your voluntary action set in motion.

There are moral obligations, financial obligations, social obligations, professional obligations, and many other kinds.

A person can take on a voluntary commitment, and then it becomes an obligation to fulfill. For example, suppose you offered to take a housebound patient to a medical appointment, or accepted a service position in a volunteer-run organization, or agreed to help out at a charity fund-raiser. Once you’ve pledged your participation, you have an obligation to follow through.

I volunteered to serve as treasurer for a group I belong to. That meant I was obligated to show up at every meeting, collect donations, keep records, make reports, and pay bills. No one forced me to volunteer or to perform the appropriate duties, but I was nevertheless under a degree of compulsion to provide the expected services for the duration of my term.

That sort of thing is aside from obvious obligations such as those that come with supporting a household, raising children, holding a job, etc.

Or perhaps we don’t understand what you mean by “force.”

As sparked by the discussion in this question.

@YARNLADY I liked your question, but I ain’t touching a ‘moral obligation’ with a 10 foot pole!

Maybe if it was phrased “responsibility” I might.

Obligation is a mindset, nothing more, nothing less.
If you end up meeting the obligation it is your own minds doing, not anything outside yourself to be forced. What others may consider an “obligation” may not be your reality.

@laureth Hiya, stranger.