Alglenne (15):
"Plato, doesn't that depend on how you define 'respect'."
As usual, before we can get to philosophical differences we have to deal with semantic differences.
Here are definitions of the word "respect" from Encarta and Wikipedia.
It appears to me that there are basically two different definitions of respect that we are talking about and the answer to your question about whether respect is earned depends on which definition we are using.
1. The third definition from Encarta says: "thoughtfulness: consideration or thoughtfulness". That corresponds to this statement from Wikipedia: "Respect is an attitude of acknowledging the feelings and interests of another party in a relationship ...".
2. The first definition from Encarta says: "esteem: a feeling or attitude of admiration and deference toward somebody or something". That corresponds to this statement from Wikipedia: "Respect is the esteem for or a sense of worth or excellence of a person ...".
When using the first definition (thoughtfulness) I agree with you - respect is given, not earned, but I have been using the second definition having to do with esteem or recognition of worth.