Today, we had our first "Pharmacy Law" lecture. I agree with people who believe that learning law is at times like learning common sense. And if so, why do people bother to document it, and even make it a module? This so called common sense is actually what we all have in-built in us. And to some extent, we also call it our conscience.

Unfortunately, we humans in our own weaknesses tend to want to neglect this conscience that we have. We do have common sense to know the right and wrong. But sometimes for the sake of convenience, we choose to avoid that inner voice and do things in a way that is against the common sense. And soon everyone's common sense is of a different standard. For example, to Mr A, it is alright to litter, but this is wrong to Mr B. So, laws are needed to set a standard to what is right and what is wrong.

Another thing we have heard about laws is that laws protect us. Protect from what? One factor mentioned in today's lecture was that we tend to face temptations. Whether it be as a pharmacist, a teacher, a parent, a student... Anyone would face temptation when placed in a position where he/she is given the freewill to choose what to do with what is given to him or her. There are many laws that tell us what acts are wrong, and warn us so we can avoid those mistakes!

Think about it this way: Some of the MRT stations in Singapore have no railing to prevent people from jumping off the platform to the train track (whatever that is called). People standing on the platform can just have the liberty to jump onto the track either out of curiosity or some other reasons. So, there is a rule (though I don't know if it is a law) that people should not go across the yellow line painted some distance from the edge of the train track. It is a warning. At least if you're tempted to jump onto those tracks, you are warned that something bad would happen if you do. This would certainly make one think twice before doing something against the common sense.

The same applies for other laws. They serve as warnings for us. So laws that tell us things like stealing and murdering is wrong are not just common sense laws. They are reminders for everyone, and a basis for us to literally live happily together. I believe there are much more to talk about laws. But will stop here.... :)

g r a c e
7:01 PM