Avoiding conduct of vandalism is compliance with what duty?

• A. Negative duty
• B. Positive duty
• C. Absolute duty
• D. Moral duty

Answer: (A)

This question tests the distinction between negative and positive duties. Refraining from vandalism is an obligation not to commit a wrongful act, which is a negative duty. Negative duties require abstaining from certain actions, especially harmful or illegal ones. A positive duty, by contrast, would require you to take specific actions to help or protect others, not merely avoid doing harm. An absolute duty would apply in all circumstances with no exceptions, which isn’t the specific idea here, and moral duty is a broader term that doesn’t pinpoint the “not doing” aspect. So avoiding vandalism fits best as a negative duty.