“Famine, affluence, and morality” by Peter Singer is a philosophical essay in which the author reflects on the subject of morality, virtue, and right actions. His work focuses on the topic of charity and donations, which should be an integral part of the world. Consequently, Singer expresses his basic idea by saying that people, especially the richer ones, have a moral obligation to donate money to the poor to the maximum extent that does not harm themselves.
The author induces various sides of charity and poverty that defend his point of view. Singer (1972) argues that suffering from the inability to satisfy basic needs is an evil that can be avoided. He gives an example of a famine in Bangladesh that could have been stopped if people in Australia, Europe, and America donated their money. At the same time, charity should depend on distances, and people with financial capabilities should equally help those who suffer in a country far from them and a child from a neighboring house. Singer (1972) also emphasizes that the size of the donation should not depend on the number of contributors, but it should be limited only by the amount that will not harm them (Singer, 1972). In addition, Singer is sure that rich people have no moral justification against donating money, even if they don’t see the need here and now. Such an approach to charity will help humanity have enough funds to help people in difficult situations, regardless of the country and its capabilities. Thus, Singer’s essay is based on real facts and weighty arguments and is significant but contradicting philosophical work.
References
Singer, P. (1972). Famine, affluence, and morality. Philosophy and Public Affairs, 1(1), 229-24