Giving Aid

Abstract

Abstract This chapter discusses what duties individuals have towards those, such as the world’s absolute poor, who are in dire need. Two kinds of argument for the conclusion that we have very extensive duties to those living in absolute poverty are considered. The first of these, and the main focus of the chapter, is Peter Singer’s famous argument. A crucial premise is challenged, as is the extent of the conclusion. Among the arguments advanced is that giving as much away as Peter Singer thinks his argument demands, would put the purported duty bearers into a position of voluntary servitude, a sacrifice that exceeds that which his argument actually demands. The chapter also provides a self-insurance argument against a conclusion as demanding as the one Peter Singer draws. Towards the end of the chapter a restitution argument for extensive duties to the world’s poor is presented and evaluated.