What is responsibility?
To bear or assume responsibility means that one willingly accepts the fulfillment of a duty, acts accordingly and also bears the consequences. But where does the word come from and how is it used?
Meaning of responsibility
The word responsibility includes the “response” that a person can give to a claim or even to an accusation. It represents an obligation to fulfill a task in the best possible way within the framework of an associated position. In this context, all things are done that are necessary and right to achieve the best possible result and avoid harm.
In most cases, responsibility is transferred from people or groups to others. The transferors then have a claim against the person responsible, which they can demand. This must justify or explain itself. The actions of the person in charge usually lead to consequences, which can be expressed as a reward or as a sanction.
Taking someone else's child with you on vacation means taking on a huge responsibility. …
Responsibility is based on social norms. These can have their origins in an ideological, legal or moral context. In addition, it can also be based on an individual and self-selected norm. In all cases, however, responsibility is always tied to a claim that has an impact on other people or institutions. Responsibility only makes sense if it takes the environment into account.
Origin of responsibility
The word responsibility comes from the Middle High German word “verantwürten”, which meant justifying, answering, representing or “defending oneself as a defendant”. The verb to be responsible dates back to the 12th century. Century back, the noun responsibility was only used in the 15th century. century prove.
The term originally came from legal life and means to answer before a court. From this context it was then given as a moral responsibility before the Last Judgment and was then applied to the entire field of ethics.
Examples of the use of the word responsibility
Responsibility is often used in conjunction with the verbs “carry” and “take over.” But responsibility is also used in other contexts:
- We will hold those responsible accountable.
- He collapsed under the weight of responsibility.
- In the hospital you have to sign a declaration that you are going home at your own risk.
- She wants to shirk responsibility.
- I take no responsibility for this incident.
- He won't hold the position because he doesn't want the responsibility.
Carrying or assuming responsibility always means having to meet demands or fulfill expectations. The word is used in a variety of contexts today, but originally had a legal background.
