Why is loyalty important?

Are respect for authority, loyalty, and sanctity positive moral values?

• Another post mentions these concepts as conservative moral values.  This may be so, from the conservative point of view.  These values do, however form, a barrier to change, and a bulwark to existing social arrangements. The concepts in themselves are not positive or negative, it all depends on the wielder of authority, loyalty to what, and the nature of the concept of sanctity. However, misuse of authority (a fairly regular state of affairs) clearly tends toward despotic rule, and leads to infringements of freedom.  It can be argued whether civil authorities should dictate to the public, and whether public safety warrants extreme controls over behavior (e.g. Jaywalking).  When authority stretches its legs, more important concepts, such as privacy are endangered. Loyalty to high moral concepts or a group that exhibits moral behavior is laudable.  Loyalty to a dictatorial regime, or one that commits clearly immoral acts (e.g. Nazi Germany.)  So loyalty is not an unmitigated blessing. Sanctity is a mystery to me.  Is this an appeal for other people to worship the same gods?  What is the defining attribute that makes something 'sacred'?  This sanctity thing has no basis in reason, only subjective religious meaning.  Some Muslims may believe that chopping off heads of infidels is a sacred act.  If 'sanctity' means following religious dictates and imposing them on others, it is not a positive value in any sense. Do conservatives value these traits, and why?  Is it their basic sense of self-preservation (of their position and status) that makes them champions of the status quo?

• Answer:

  I wouldn't say these things are not exactly moral rules, but a way of acting in any place that will help to ensure that you get the best results. Respect for authority is a good rule to follow because it will help you to get the best treatment possible when facing an authority figure. If a cop pulls you over and you don't show him any respect he is more likely to give you everything he can from fines to jail time. He might throw in a few charges that are complete bullshit just to ruin your day. If you treat him with respect, he is more likely to let you go with a warning. The same applies with teachers, parents, judges, and government employees. Loyalty is a good rule to follow because it builds trust in those around you. If you are not loyal to those around you they may begin to not trust you or leave you completely. Once you lose trust, its virtually impossible to get it back. Failure to be loyal will also have an impact on your reputation, this will affect you for a long time. Sanctity is a rule to follow to keep yourself out of trouble. Its basically following the rules of the community you are a part of. This will keep you in high standing among your peers. If you don't follow the rules of the community, you may end up ostrisized from that community.